U.S. Plans to Punish Israel for China Sales

The U.S. plans to withhold certain types of U.S. military technology from Israel unless it stops selling arms to China, according to the Pentagon spokesman. While the U.S. remains committed to helping Israel maintain its qualitative defense edge in the region, the sales to China are "much more likely to have an effect on very sp ecific programs involving technology programs rather then on the general support," Kevin Bacon told reporters. He declined to specify which types of technology the U.S. would deny Israel should it fail to stop the sales. With tensions heating up between China and Taiwan, the U.S. has become increasingly concerned about China's improved military capabilities. This week Beijing threatened to use force against Taiwan if talks about unification did not proceed apace.

Israel says it earns millions of dollars from sales to China that began more than a decade ago. China recently denied it was planning to buy an advanced airborne radar system from Israel, even though Israel said the $250 million deal would soon be completed.

Source: Jerusalem Post, (February 24, 2000)