Results of Embargo on Chinese Arms Trade

China is believed to have the second largest weapons budget, around 50 to 70 billion dollars. Russ is currently the only country that supplies China with arms. This is due to an embargo on weapons trade with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that was put into effect by European Union (EU) and the United States in 1989 after the PRC struck down a peaceful protest for democracy. This ban is currently being reevaluated by the EU and might be lifted later this year. According to a testimony written by Peter T.R. Brookes, this would be a poor decision for several reasons. He looks at the reasons for: Why would the US not want the embargo lifted?, Why might the EU want the ban lifted?, What does the PRC stand to gain from it all?

After reading this article, it is clear that Mr. Brookes finds this to be an important embargo that should be left intact. He highlights the political reasons (such as human rights and control of Asian territories) as well as the security reasons (such as the struggle for a balance of world power). Though some might consider some of his opinions jaded, he plainly declared that his statements were his own opinions and not necessarily that of his company.