French President Jacques Chirac told a concerned Japan that
China's desire for the EU to lift its arms embargo was "legitimate"
and would not entail exports of sensitive weapons and
technology.
France has been a prime supporter of ending the ban on selling
arms to China, a move opposed by both the US and Japan, and
initially by other EU member states.
"The prime minister told me of his concerns and asked for
explanations," Chirac told a joint news conference after talks with
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
"I told him that the decision of the EU does not imply a change
in exports of sensitive arms or technology to China as they will
still be subject to restrictions," Chirac said.
"The decision does not mean things would change - it's a
political decision," he said, "We believe that the lifting of the
ban is legitimately sought by China."
Koizumi reiterated Japan's opposition to it, "Japan does not
regard China's economic growth as a threat. Rather we regard it as
an opportunity. However, in relation to security concerns such as
the Taiwan issue Japan has been asking for a peaceful
resolution."
The EU had initially set a goal of lifting the ban by the end of
June, when the presidency of the 25-member bloc shifts from
Luxembourg to the UK.
The UK had suggested that the end of the embargo could be
delayed after China adopted the Anti-Succession Law on March
14.
But the Foreign Ministry said China opposed linking the lifting
of the ban with the new law, saying they are irrelevant to each
other.??
Chirac has vowed to push ahead to end the embargo by the end of
June.
A joint statement after talks between Chirac and Koizumi said
the two countries sought to understand each other.
"France expressed its desire to work actively with Japan for
peace and the lasting stability in the region," the statement
said.
It said Japan believed "there are a number of major
uncertainties" in "the security situation in East Asia."
Chirac and Koizumi said the two countries agreed to expand
dialogue "to follow changes in the region and to develop common
views."
(China Daily March 28, 2005)