ARMS EMBARGO ON CHINA (No. 2)

Motion Text

That this House remains concerned at the EU's plans to lift its arms embargo on China; notes that the EU Code of Conduct is not legally binding on member states; requests that before the Government considers such a move it adheres to its own criteria, namely that any lifting of the embargo should not contribute to a significant enhancement in the effectiveness of Chinese military capabilities, and must not lead to a rise in the level of tension in the Taiwan Straits; reminds the Government of its claim to attach a very high importance to seeking and improving the human rights situation in China; calls on the Government to conduct a detailed review of the possible implications for the UK defence industry; and further calls on the Government to veto any such move to lift the embargo until the review has reported.