We hold occasional policy briefings where high-level speakers provide insight and analysis.

Attendees include EIAS members and other interested parties.

Experts wishing to discuss a possible topic for a Special Briefing are invited to contact EIAS Director Dr Willem van der Geest.

Lifting the Arms Embargo on China: A Shift in EU Priorities?
6 April, 2005, Residence Palace, Brussels

Speakers:
James Moran, Head of the Asia Unit, External Relations DG, European Commission, Brussels
Dr. Greg Austin, Director of Research, Foreign Policy Centre, London
Dr. Sebastian Bersick, Research Fellow, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels
Chair: Harold Tanner, Chairman of the Transatlantic Institute

Burgeoning trade, high-level summits and a new ‘strategic partnership’ agreement mark dramatic growth in Sino-European relations. Consequently, an EU campaign to lift its arms embargo against China - implemented by the EU and US in response to the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre - has gained momentum.

While Europe may profit from such a policy change, both economically and strategically, it now faces a new transatlantic dilemma. Will the EU opt for increased trade against America’s vocal protests? Is the embargo still an effective and appropriate way to stop human rights infractions or is it an oudated political signal? What are the repercussions for broader East Asian security and stability?

Presentations

Dr Sebastian Bersick's Presentation