In March 2012 the European Commission said that it was to consider imposing duties on goods marked "Made In China". Today we learn that the EU has been possibly illegally subsidising Chinese companies. Niether the alleged Chinese companies or the EU has admitted that this is true. A Chinese official stated this however, "If the report is correct, China will not put up with such trade protectionism." Effectively saying that Europe's voyage of protectionism is void.
For years China has been attempting to persuade elements of Europe to lift an arms embargo on China which was first established in 1975. China is hungry for advanced western weaponry and has since that date conducted a massive espionage effort to acquire some necessities. There are strong arguments in both corners of the arms embargo debate. The UK fighting the human rights ground of the argument along with the old communist bloc members are against lifting the ban, some remember just what regimes are capable of. Interestingly France has been a long time campaigner for lifting the ban. France is notorious for paying bribes to get it's weapons on the shelves of various nations. The French have a reputation of going places where countries like the UK would be scrutinised for. In 2011 France concluded a deal to sell Russia four Mistral amphibious assault ships. A deal that was questioned by France's allies in Nato and the United States. Sarkozy in arms and corruption scandal.
China has taken a new stance on the embargo. Relaxing in its effort to lift the arms embargo and choosing instead to focus on high tech industries. Perhaps seeking to acquire components for military equipment that can be found in civilian industry. Whilst China and Europe both state they are against a trade war between the two superstates. You could argue the Chinese regime initiated a trade war when it embarked on its industrial espionage effort. There are elements in the UK and the EU that would like to see a deeper co-operation with China. Whatever the future holds we should all remember one 'Sempill' rule.
Lord Sempill
For years China has been attempting to persuade elements of Europe to lift an arms embargo on China which was first established in 1975. China is hungry for advanced western weaponry and has since that date conducted a massive espionage effort to acquire some necessities. There are strong arguments in both corners of the arms embargo debate. The UK fighting the human rights ground of the argument along with the old communist bloc members are against lifting the ban, some remember just what regimes are capable of. Interestingly France has been a long time campaigner for lifting the ban. France is notorious for paying bribes to get it's weapons on the shelves of various nations. The French have a reputation of going places where countries like the UK would be scrutinised for. In 2011 France concluded a deal to sell Russia four Mistral amphibious assault ships. A deal that was questioned by France's allies in Nato and the United States. Sarkozy in arms and corruption scandal.
China has taken a new stance on the embargo. Relaxing in its effort to lift the arms embargo and choosing instead to focus on high tech industries. Perhaps seeking to acquire components for military equipment that can be found in civilian industry. Whilst China and Europe both state they are against a trade war between the two superstates. You could argue the Chinese regime initiated a trade war when it embarked on its industrial espionage effort. There are elements in the UK and the EU that would like to see a deeper co-operation with China. Whatever the future holds we should all remember one 'Sempill' rule.
Lord Sempill
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