China Arms Embargo Controversy Will Have Domestic Ripples

The heart of the matter

The U.S. campaign to dissuade Europe from lifting its arms embargo against China is bearing some fruit in Britain, where many suppliers consider the USA to be an important customer. Nevertheless, European Union is expected to lift its partial arms embargo before June 2005, when Luxembourg turns over the EU Presidency to Britain. Dual-use items and other low-profile military equipment are already cleared for sale by the EU. U.S. government officials, as well as Congress, have made it clear that retaliaton against European companies would follow if the ban is lifted, changing the contracting and procurement environment in America. Aviation Week & Space Technology: End to Chinese Arms Embargo Concerns British