French PM backs arms sales to China

He reiterated the French position, while European leaders appear to be increasingly divided on the matter.

"France continues to ask for a lifting of the embargo, and does not see what could lead the European Council [the member states] to change position on that question", Mr Raffarin was quoted as saying by Le Figaro.

The EU was due to reach a compromise on lifting the ban by June this year.

But China's adoption of the anti-secession law on 14 March, sanctioning the use of force against Taiwan, has forced some European leaders to review their position.

The embargo was originally imposed after pro-democracy demonstrators were massacred in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989.

For Mr Raffarin, "the anti-secession law is absolutely compatible with the principle of one China and two systems, defended by France". The embargo is "anachronous and unfairly discriminatory", the prime minister added.

Mr Raffarin also said he is closely following the China/EU dialogue on human rights.

Complementing the French Prime Minister's statements, his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao said that "one should not establish a mechanic link between human rights and lifting the arms embargo", according to Le Figaro.

Business will be business

Turning to another hot potato, the rise of Chinese textile exports, Mr Raffarin said China is well aware of its international responsibilities.

Mr Wen added that Beijing "respects the WTO's rules" and "has taken measures following on its own initiative".

Both Prime Ministers attended a ceremony inking a 2.4 billion euro deal for 30 Airbus aircraft after the meeting.