http://www.ft.com/cms/s/a4e0f544-2df3-11dc-821c-0000779fd2ac.html
US takes China to task over Iraq and Afghan arms
By Demetri Sevastopuloin Washington
Published: July 9 2007 03:00 | Last updated: July 9 2007 03:00
The US has raised concerns with the Chinese government about the discovery of Chinese-made weapons on the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Richard Lawless, the departing senior Pentagon official for Asia, on -Friday said that Washington had flagged the issue with -Beijing. US officials have become increasingly alarmed that Chinese armour-piercing ammunition has been used by the Taliban in Afghanistan and by insurgents in Iraq.
A senior US official recently told the Financial Times that Iran appeared to be providing the Chinese-made weapons. The official said Washington had no evidence that Beijing was complicit but stressed that the US would like China to "do a better job of policing these sales". Mr Lawless said the question of origin was less important than who was facilitating the transfer.
As of yesterday, the Chinese foreign ministry had not responded publicly to Mr Lawless' comments.
The concerns about Chinese weapons follow months of allegations from US officials that Iran is aiding attacks on US troops in Iraq, and Afghanistan by providing technology for bombs that can destroy Humvees and other heavily-armoured vehicles.
Mr Lawless also expressed concern about North Korea's missile programme. Pyong-yang last week tested a new short-range missile that could target not only the US military base at Pyeongtaek but also Seoul. He said North Korea was close to being able to field the solid-fuel, highly mobile rocket.
Mr Lawless said the US military relationship with China was "overall, not bad" but stressed there was a need for more engagement between the militaries, particularly at senior levels. "They have been more willing to engage but it is in millimetres and increments," said Mr Lawless.
He said the Pentagon was disappointed that China had not been prepared to provide Admiral Michael Mullen, chief of naval operations, with the same access that his Chinese counterpart had received during a visit to the US. Admiral Mullen, who has since been nominated to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ended up not visiting China.
Mr Lawless also said it was important for China to hold talks with the US about its nuclear forces.
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
US takes China to task over Iraq and Afghan arms
By Demetri Sevastopuloin Washington
Published: July 9 2007 03:00 | Last updated: July 9 2007 03:00
The US has raised concerns with the Chinese government about the discovery of Chinese-made weapons on the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Richard Lawless, the departing senior Pentagon official for Asia, on -Friday said that Washington had flagged the issue with -Beijing. US officials have become increasingly alarmed that Chinese armour-piercing ammunition has been used by the Taliban in Afghanistan and by insurgents in Iraq.
A senior US official recently told the Financial Times that Iran appeared to be providing the Chinese-made weapons. The official said Washington had no evidence that Beijing was complicit but stressed that the US would like China to "do a better job of policing these sales". Mr Lawless said the question of origin was less important than who was facilitating the transfer.
As of yesterday, the Chinese foreign ministry had not responded publicly to Mr Lawless' comments.
The concerns about Chinese weapons follow months of allegations from US officials that Iran is aiding attacks on US troops in Iraq, and Afghanistan by providing technology for bombs that can destroy Humvees and other heavily-armoured vehicles.
Mr Lawless also expressed concern about North Korea's missile programme. Pyong-yang last week tested a new short-range missile that could target not only the US military base at Pyeongtaek but also Seoul. He said North Korea was close to being able to field the solid-fuel, highly mobile rocket.
Mr Lawless said the US military relationship with China was "overall, not bad" but stressed there was a need for more engagement between the militaries, particularly at senior levels. "They have been more willing to engage but it is in millimetres and increments," said Mr Lawless.
He said the Pentagon was disappointed that China had not been prepared to provide Admiral Michael Mullen, chief of naval operations, with the same access that his Chinese counterpart had received during a visit to the US. Admiral Mullen, who has since been nominated to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ended up not visiting China.
Mr Lawless also said it was important for China to hold talks with the US about its nuclear forces.
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
No need to comment on a Lawless person! Punish him or ignore him.
