Where the World's Views of America Come into Focus

Original Article (German)

The head of the Japanese government, Junichiro Koizumi, has expressed his opposition to a lifting of the European weapons embargo against China. French President Jacques Chirac tried to assuage his concerns.

The abolition of the E.U. weapons embargo would not involve the sale of major weapons systems, Chirac said in Tokyo. Koizumi fears that ending the ban will lead to a destabilization of Asia. But on Sunday, Chirac argued during a joint press conference with Koizumi that the goal of ending the ban was simply to normalize relations with China.

"The embargo must fall for political reasons, it is no longer up-to-date." After discussions with Koizumi, Chirac stated directly, "I said in that no weapon exports to China would take place. That also applies to delicate technologies."

The European Union imposed the arms ban in 1989, after Beijing stamped out the democracy movement in China. The U.S. has urged the E.U. to maintain the embargo because it is afraid if it isn't, China will come to possess modern weapon systems.

"Conditions have changed significantly, since the time when the decision was taken," said Chirac about the ban.

Koizumi expressed his disagreement with the E.U. position, and referred to Tokyo's concern about double-digit increases in China's defense budget over recent years. "We expressed our doubts, and our misgivings," Koizumi said.

The European Union, which wants to deepen diplomatic relations with China, wants to waive the export ban on weapons at the end of June. In the opinion of the Europeans, weapons exports can be controlled more efficiently by a "code of conduct." European Union states will agree upon the code soon.

However, the recent passing of an "anti-succession" targeted at Taiwan increased has raised skepticism in a number of E.U. countries. The law legitimizes a military attack on Taiwan, should the island officially seek independence.