The United States and Japan should go with the flow and not stand in the way of the European Union (EU) developing ties with China, says an article in the People's Daily. An excerpt follows: 

EU members reached a consensus at a summit in December that the bloc would lift its 16-year-old arms embargo on China by the end of June this year, and have made a big effort to achieve this goal since.

However, it seems it might not become a reality because of opposition and pressure from Washington and Tokyo.

The US Congress has passed a bill opposing the EU's potential suspension of the weapons embargo and has threatened to adopt some retaliatory measures if the EU actually goes down this path. US President George W. Bush also reaffirmed this stance during his trip to Europe last month.

More recently, the United States and Japan made a fuss over China's National People's Congress (NPC)'s adoption of the Anti-Secession Law, and reinforced their opposition to the EU's arms suspension move. The law aims to push for the peaceful reunification of the Chinese mainland and Taiwan and the curbing of the island's secessionists.

The EU's arms ban on China is a relic of the Cold War, and has been a big obstacle in the China-EU relationship. The EU's decision to lift the ban is out of consideration for strengthening bilateral ties and promoting world peace and development. US opposition to the move reflects, once again, its hegemonism in international affairs.

China has always focused its energy on developing its economy and improving the living conditions of its people. The country has consistently pursued a peaceful path and adopted a defensive national policy.

The Chinese government has reaffirmed many times that its push to lift the arms ban does not mean an intention to purchase more weapons from the EU. It has said it only wants to eliminate outdated political discrimination displayed against China.

The question of Taiwan is China's internal affair, one that needs no interference from foreign forces. China wants a peaceful solution more than any other country in the world.

The Anti-Secession Law will help maintain stability in the Taiwan Straits and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. The demonization of the bill by some foreign countries only shows their attempts to damage China's image and slow its development.

In recent days, some of the EU's main members have once again expressed their determination to lift the ban, to further consolidate and advance ties with China.

The bloc has also said that strengthening dialogue with China is its largest contribution to Asian peace and security.

The United States and Japan should no longer put obstacles in the way of Sino-EU ties.

(China Daily March 30, 2005)