With the European Union likely to lift the embargo on arms sales toChina at the March 25-26 Brussels summit, the Bush Administrationshould remind the EU why the embargo exists; point out that liftingthe embargo could threaten U.S. forces and could be interpreted asan unfriendly act; and exclude from defense technology cooperationthose companies that sell arms to China.
The Bush Administration should urge the British government toreconsider its support for French-driven plans to lift the EU armsembargo on China. It should convey the message that lifting the banwill harm U.S. strategic goals in Asia and will weaken theinternational campaign to advance human rights in China.