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EUbusiness
The US is ready to hold back military technology from European allies over EU steps to revoke its arms embargo on China, the Financial Times reported Friday.
The British financial daily quoted unnamed Pentagon officials who said the US would likely withdraw government backing for measures to improve military technology transfers to European countries if the European Union begins to sell arms to China.
At a Brussels summit on December 17, EU leaders declared their "political will" to lift an arms embargo on China, possibly by next June, while stressing that Beijing must respect human rights and regional stability.
"This has the potential to be a big brawl," an anonymous senior Pentagon official involved in Chinese policy told the FT.
That would reeeaaally piss of Britain, and thus up America's last real alliance (other than Canada). Plus, the EU can do a lot more damage to America than America can to the EU in terms of trade restrictions, and I wouldn't put that past us, and considering the current state of the States that wouldn't be very helpful. What's more, a lot of the EU states are -really- not going to respond well to threats.
Originally posted by Amarillo_Brice
That would reeeaaally piss of Britain, and thus # up America's last real alliance (other than Canada). Plus, the EU can do a lot more damage to America than America can to the EU in terms of trade restrictions, and I wouldn't put that past us, and considering the current state of the States that wouldn't be very helpful. What's more, a lot of the EU states are -really- not going to respond well to threats.
The FT said that Britain stands to be the hardest hit by any US retaliation over any EU moves to sell military technology to China.
British firms BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce are the Pentagon's two biggest suppliers.
Originally posted by ChrisRT
Is Britain even interested in dealing with china? I think it would be in their and our best interest to deal with each other instead of outside parties.
Anyhow, if they want to play ball, let�s play ball!
It will hurt everyone in the end but I don�t see them doing anymore then breaking even in the end.
[edit on 24-12-2004 by ChrisRT]
Well frankly your hurting us in the process and dont seem to give a damm!
It wouldnt matter if we wanted to deal or not we still get hurt.
Originally posted by devilwasp
Yeah we see that but the US high command doesnt, know what i dont think any americans will be going to the west of scotland anytime soon, catch my drift?
Originally posted by ChrisRT
Well I don�t know what everyone else feels but I believe that Britain should get special treatment with their word not to deal with china.
How would they feel if their weapons where used in the near future against them?
These other countries may basically be loading the gun that kills them. You can�t say that it�s farfetched at all...
I do hope we can work it out with Britain as I believe some, if not most of our views are the same. I just hope that the best happens for all.
Originally posted by Phoenix
This makes no sense getting upset at the US, do get upset with your continental neighbors in the EU who cannot control themselves when money is flashed before them.
What is expected? do you wish the US to supply the EU with advanced weaponry only to have it sold very soon after to the Chinese - even if its not sold outright how long before Chinese industrial espionage gets ahold of them anyways?
Originally posted by slink
I'd say it's a good move by the United States. The European Union needs the United States a lot more than the United States needs the European Union.
About only 5% of the United States GDP is from exports., while European countries like Germany 28% of GDP and France 20% of GDP rely much more on exports. Although European countries could trade amongst themselves, it really helps them economically to have the big guy on their side.
Originally posted by ChrisRT
I don't think they are implying that the U.S. can or should dictate you�re countries for you but I think in the long run for U.S. security and interests (of curse) and (I believe) for you�re safety in the future that it wouldn�t be wise to sell to the chinese. Not until they have proven themselves and not until they are so interwoven into you�re economies that you cannot make war with them.
I just believe that part of this has to do with money being flashed in their face. Being blinded by cash when in the near future the chinese may want to be the ones dictating to you in the future.
I think that in the end if they loose the U.S. and hitch a ride with china that it will be unstable and if they are lucky they will break even in terms of cash flow that they enjoyed with the U.S.
Anyhow, marry Christmas!