Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 March 2005. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 March 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his (a) Russian and (b) Australian counterparts concerning the proposed lifting of the EU arms embargo on China with respect to the effects on (i) Chinese military capabilities, (ii) the political situation with regard to the Taiwan Strait and (iii) observance of human rights by the Chinese government.

Answer: Mr. Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his (a) Russian and (b) Australian counterparts concerning the proposed lifting of the EU arms embargo on China with respect to the effects on (i) Chinese military capabilities, (ii) the political situation with regard to the Taiwan Strait and (iii) observance of human rights by the Chinese Government. [221358] Mr. Straw: [holding answer 15 March 2005]: I have had no recent discussions with my Russian and Australian counterparts on the issue of the embargo. We take every appropriate opportunity to convey to the Taiwanese authorities, through informal channels, and to the Chinese Government our strong opposition to the use of force or to any action that raises cross- Strait tensions. We remain deeply concerned about human rights abuses in China and monitor the situation closely. We regularly raise our concerns with the Chinese Government.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c338W;432 c336W; 221358
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Arms trade Australia China Human rights EU external trade Sanctions Russia Taiwan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk