Downing Street Says » Arms Embargo to China

» Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Arms Embargo to China

Asked what the Government’s position was on the arms embargo to China, the PMOS said we had always been supportive of the EU position, whilst at the same time recognising that the code that would replace the arms embargo (which was also applied to other countries such as Iran and Syria), would need to be strengthened. We had also, however, recognised that the EU itself was engaged in discussions with the United States and as Javier Solana’s Spokesperson had said, those discussions were complex. The PMOS said those discussions should be allowed to take place, but there was nothing new in saying we were supportive of the EU position, whilst also waiting for the outcome of the discussions with the US.

Put to the PMOS that Mr. Solana had said that China deserved to have the embargo lifted, and did the Government agree with him, and should the timetable stay the same, the PMOS said we would consider this matter with our EU colleagues. We would prefer there was a consensus between the EU and the United States, but the PMOS said he would not second guess those discussions. Those discussions should be allowed to go at their own pace.

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