Later this year, the European Union (EU) will consider lifting the Tianan-men Square arms embargo against the People's Republic of China (PRC). The United States and the EU imposed the embargo following the June 1989 crackdown on democracy protesters in Beijing. Lifting the embargo would endanger U.S. interests, accelerate China's military buildup, undermine stability in the Pacific and send the wrong signal to repressive regimes everywhere. The United States is rightfully concerned about the proposed EU policy change. First, there is concern about China's refusal to renounce the use of force against Taiwan. In light of China's ongoing military buildup, Beijing might decide to coerce or take military action against Taiwan to force unification. Its recent consideration of an anti-secession law directed at Taiwan is not encouraging.
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