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China likely to wait longer for end of EU weapons ban
 HELSINKI, Finland - In 2004, the European Union appeared close to lifting a ban on selling weapons to China. Today, it is balking and avoids the issue as if it were a rusty grenade with the pin pulled.The 17-year-old ban on arms sales is unlikely to go soon because the Europeans are fence-sitting _ for several reasons. The EUs 25 member states are split on the issue and wary about another rift with the United States, which vehemently opposes ending the ban. Additionally, Chinas glacial progress in improving human rights and its bellicose language about Taiwan have slowed the momentum on the issue. But the Chinese are not giving up and were quick to raise the weapons ban issue on Saturday at a summit with the EU in Helsinki, Finland. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reminded the Europeans they promised to scuttle the ban. At a joint news conference with EU leaders he said the bloc must display vision and courage and end it immediately. He called it a matter of mutual respect and equality. Posted by: Steve White 2006-09-11 |
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