News Update
31-01-05, 09:25
EU and US seek to defuse China tensions
By Daniel Dombey in Brussels and Guy Dinmore in Washington
Financial Times
January 31 2005
The European Union and the US are considering setting up a confidential diplomatic "back-channel" to defuse tensions over the EU's expected decision to lift its arms embargo on China.
A senior US official said the EU had suggested a process of consultations over proposed arms sales to China to overcome Washington's opposition to the planned lifting of the embargo. The EU proposal involved drawing up a "what bothers you" list of proscribed weapons and technology. The EU would also consult Japan in a similar forum.
"There has been no US government decision to engage in any such discussions," the official said, but the Bush administration would take the EU's suggestion seriously.
There are formidable obstacles to any understanding on the issue, and the US remains steadfast in its position that it would be a profound mistake for the EU to end its embargo.
However, both sides are looking at ways to minimise the fallout from the EU's move while also taking account of US concerns. These relate more to the transfer of high technology than to the weapons on which the embargo has focused.
EU leaders expect to lift the 1989-era embargo during the first half of this year, in what they say is a symbolic step that recognises China's status as a rising power.
But the US is deeply sceptical about the EU's assurances that a tighter code of conduct on arms deals and a transitional regime to monitor exports to China would not lead to increased arms sales to Beijing.
It says the step could render Taiwan more vulnerable to attack and even endanger the US's seventh fleet.
The issue will be high on the agenda of Condoleezza Rice, the newly installed US secretary of state, when she starts a visit of seven European capitals this week.
European diplomats said any formal US veto on the types of weapons EU member states would sell to China would be unthinkable. What was needed was transparency in the EU's proposed code of conduct on sales to China, which would replace the current embargo, so that the US would be kept informed of sales.
By Daniel Dombey in Brussels and Guy Dinmore in Washington
Financial Times
January 31 2005
The European Union and the US are considering setting up a confidential diplomatic "back-channel" to defuse tensions over the EU's expected decision to lift its arms embargo on China.
A senior US official said the EU had suggested a process of consultations over proposed arms sales to China to overcome Washington's opposition to the planned lifting of the embargo. The EU proposal involved drawing up a "what bothers you" list of proscribed weapons and technology. The EU would also consult Japan in a similar forum.
"There has been no US government decision to engage in any such discussions," the official said, but the Bush administration would take the EU's suggestion seriously.
There are formidable obstacles to any understanding on the issue, and the US remains steadfast in its position that it would be a profound mistake for the EU to end its embargo.
However, both sides are looking at ways to minimise the fallout from the EU's move while also taking account of US concerns. These relate more to the transfer of high technology than to the weapons on which the embargo has focused.
EU leaders expect to lift the 1989-era embargo during the first half of this year, in what they say is a symbolic step that recognises China's status as a rising power.
But the US is deeply sceptical about the EU's assurances that a tighter code of conduct on arms deals and a transitional regime to monitor exports to China would not lead to increased arms sales to Beijing.
It says the step could render Taiwan more vulnerable to attack and even endanger the US's seventh fleet.
The issue will be high on the agenda of Condoleezza Rice, the newly installed US secretary of state, when she starts a visit of seven European capitals this week.
European diplomats said any formal US veto on the types of weapons EU member states would sell to China would be unthinkable. What was needed was transparency in the EU's proposed code of conduct on sales to China, which would replace the current embargo, so that the US would be kept informed of sales.