The recent dispute between Tokyo and Beijing regarding World War II history has escalated into a diplomatic incident that must not be played down by the European Union, and especially by French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who have been insisting that the arms embargo on China must be lifted.
These powerful leaders must not overlook China’s recent decision to adopt an anti-secession law stating that the country can attack Taiwan if the latter declares independence. This should, in itself, serve as a warning for all those who believe that this country has risen above the dark shadow cast by its violent history.
China was unable to contain anti-Japanese demonstrations that erupted in several Chinese cities in recent weeks over a textbook approved by Japan, which critics say whitewashes the country's military past. Japan has demanded an apology for damages to its embassy and consulates, but Beijing has blamed Japan for the troubles.
While Japan’s decision to start natural gas exploration in a disputed area seems to be a provocation meant to worsen the situation, one must admit that China has not yet shown it can be trusted with weapons manufactured in other countries.
Lest anyone forgets, China is led by a Communist regime that suppresses democracy and freedom.
The Catholic Church is banned in China and, apart from State-controlled Churches, many priests and Catholic followers are jailed for no valid reason. China itself overlooks it past and the atrocities committed by its regime, including the infamous Tiananmen Square incident.
China’s human rights record has not only been disputed by the US, but by all truly democratic countries.
Extremely worrying is the fact that European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said last month that Brussels remained committed to lifting a 16-year-old arms embargo on China.
Solana, who was on a day visit to Latvia, said the EU position had not changed. His remarks follow those of French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin who called the EU ban on arms sales to China outdated and discriminatory. France and Germany have led Europe's charge to lift the embargo, but EU ministers said last week China should first correct its human rights record and resolve its conflict with Taiwan.
And the US has rightly said that lifting the ban would risk skewing the balance of power with Taiwan as well as put US servicemen at risk.
EU members had already agreed in December to try and lift the ban by June, but such a move requires unanimous agreement and some countries have grown reluctant after Beijing's adoption last month of a new hard-line law against independence for Taiwan.
May common sense prevail. Germany and France must put aside their interests and realise that destabilising Asia means destabilising the whole world.
Luciano Borg