EU may delay lifting arms ban

The lifting of the arms embargo by the European Union against China is growing uncertain in light of strong US protests and China's passage of the anti-secession law authorizing the use of force against Taiwan if it formally announces independence. Reports now say the EU is unlikely to press ahead with the anticipated lifting of the embargo by end-June as was anticipated. France, with Germany's support, led the call to end the ban, and reportedly has not changed its position with the passage of the anti-secession law. But the UK says the law has cast a cloud over ending curbs, the Financial Times reported. EU foreign-policy decisions require agreement from all 25 country members.