US lobbying could limit arms sales

With the European Union likely committed to drop its arms embargo on China, analysts say pressure from Washington may serve to delay the lift and reduce the scope of the sales. American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told EU officials during a visit last week that the US opposes the embargo on human rights grounds and the potential for regional de-stabilization. The lifting of the embargo, imposed following the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, was first proposed by Germany and France.