EU urged to lift arms embargo on China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-11-02 11:41

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on Wednesday said the European Union should lift its arms embargo on China imposed 15 years ago.

Schroeder, who was defeated by current Chancellor Angela Merkel in last year's election, made the remarks when meeting foreign press in Berlin.

When asked about the German-Chinese relations, Schroeder said he never changed his mind on the issue of EU arms embargo on China, believing that the EU should put an end to it.

China holds that the embargo, a product of the Cold War, is outdated and does not match the established Sino-EU overall strategic partnership.

"I think there is no substantial change in the policy of the new German government towards China," Schroeder told reporters, adding that the two countries enjoy a good relationship.

The visit by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is "successful," he said. "I do not worry about the development of the German-Chinese relations."

Some analysts believe that relations between Beijing and Berlin might go downward after Merkel assumed the chancellorship in November last year.

"I noticed changes on some issues in the new government's China policy, but each one has his or her style...German-Chinese relationship is essentially good," he said.

Wen paid a two-day working visit to Germany in September, the first visit by a Chinese leader since Merkel came to power. During the visit, a series of cooperation agreements were signed between the countries.