EU Could Lift Arms Embargo on China in 2011

The European Union (EU) could lift its arms embargo against China, which was imposed after the Tiananmen Square crackdown, in early 2011.

The EU imposed the embargo on China in 1989, prohibiting the sale and transfer of weapons technology, but has felt the embargo has lost its practical justification over the years.

The embargo has been described as an obstacle to Euro-Chinese ties and the lift could boost the Chinese military, which is producing fifth-generation fighters and long-range cruise missiles, according to Brahmand.

The EU also has plans to make the lifting of sanctions conditional and to link it with Beijing improving its ties with Taiwan.

China has grown over the years by improving its missiles and will soon be in a position to challenge US aircraft carriers by deploying indigenous long-range attack missiles.