Written question asked by Michael Moore (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 10 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 December 2004. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 December 2004 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 the Government has had with (a) the European Union and (b) the United States of America regarding the lifting of the arms embargo against China; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Government have had with (a) the European Union and (b) the United States of America regarding the lifting of the arms embargo against China; and if he will make a statement. [204768] Mr. MacShane: The Government supports the decision of the European Council in December 2003 to review the EU Arms Embargo on China. This review is on-going-it was last discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at the 13 December General Affairs and External Relations Council. In recent contacts with my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, US Ministers have expressed an interest in the review of the embargo. However, the review and any decisions arising from it are to be undertaken by the EU only. The EU will take all relevant factors into account in the review. The Government does not wish to pre-empt the conclusion of the review.

Secondary information