Written question asked by Mark Simmonds (Conservative) 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 assessment has been made of the likely implications of ending the EU-China Arms embargo on UK relations with (a) North Korea, (b) South Korea, (c) the United States, (d) Taiwan and (e) China.

Answer: Mr. Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has been made of the likely implications of ending the EU-China Arms embargo on UK relations with (a) North Korea, (b) South Korea, (c) the United States, (d) Taiwan and (e) China. [204802] Mr. MacShane: The Government will take all relevant factors into account in the on-going EU review of the EU Arms Embargo on China. The Government fully recognises the importance of maintaining regional stability. Since the imposition of the Embargo, the EU has agreed a Code of Conduct on defence export sales, including sales to China. In the event of the EU Arms Embargo on China being lifted, the Code of Conduct would remain the primary means of controlling arms sales.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 204802; 428 c1620W;428 c1618W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Codes of practice Arms trade China EU external trade Foreign relations USA Sanctions North Korea Taiwan South Korea
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk