French President Jacques Chirac told a concerned Japan that China's desire for the EU to lift its arms embargo was "legitimate" and would not entail exports of sensitive weapons and technology.

France has been a prime supporter of ending the ban on selling arms to China, a move opposed by both the US and Japan, and initially by other EU member states.

"The prime minister told me of his concerns and asked for explanations," Chirac told a joint news conference after talks with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

"I told him that the decision of the EU does not imply a change in exports of sensitive arms or technology to China as they will still be subject to restrictions," Chirac said.

"The decision does not mean things would change - it's a political decision," he said, "We believe that the lifting of the ban is legitimately sought by China."

Koizumi reiterated Japan's opposition to it, "Japan does not regard China's economic growth as a threat. Rather we regard it as an opportunity. However, in relation to security concerns such as the Taiwan issue Japan has been asking for a peaceful resolution."

The EU had initially set a goal of lifting the ban by the end of June, when the presidency of the 25-member bloc shifts from Luxembourg to the UK.

The UK had suggested that the end of the embargo could be delayed after China adopted the Anti-Succession Law on March 14.

But the Foreign Ministry said China opposed linking the lifting of the ban with the new law, saying they are irrelevant to each other.  

Chirac has vowed to push ahead to end the embargo by the end of June.

A joint statement after talks between Chirac and Koizumi said the two countries sought to understand each other.

"France expressed its desire to work actively with Japan for peace and the lasting stability in the region," the statement said.

It said Japan believed "there are a number of major uncertainties" in "the security situation in East Asia."

Chirac and Koizumi said the two countries agreed to expand dialogue "to follow changes in the region and to develop common views."

(China Daily March 28, 2005)