US Links Golan Withdrawal Aid to Halting Arms Sales

Source: Ha’aretz 03/24/2000

U.S. links Golan withdrawal aid to halting arms sales to
China

By Aluf Benn, Ha’aretz Diplomatic Correspondent

The U.S. has again asked Israel not to sell advanced military technologies to China, this time linking it to a defense package in the event of a withdrawal from the Golan. The U.S. made it clear that it sees China’s military empowerment as serious cause for concern, especially in light of current tensions between China and Taiwan, and that any further advancement in China’s military ability is likely to endanger U.S. capabilities in Asia.

The U.S. position was presented to Defense Ministry Director-General Amos Yaron, who yesterday completed a short visit to Washington. Yaron mentioned the issue of an American defense package in exchange for the evacuation of the Golan Heights following a peace agreement with Syria. Members of the Pentagon and the State Department then voiced their concerns over China’s proliferation of power and then effectively linked the two issues. The U.S. does not believe that at a time when Israel is asking for an unprecedently large military aid package and full access to America’s most advanced technologies, including spy satellites and Tomahawk missiles, it should supply modern military technologies to a state viewed by Washington as a strategic enemy.

This warning is the latest in a long line passed on to Israel recently by members of Congress and the U.S. government. The U.S. has in the past accused Israel of abrogating agreements by transferring military technologies to China.

Secretary of Defense William Cohen will visit Israel next month and is expected to voice once again America’s concerns over the sale of arms to China. Chinese President Jiang Zemin will pay his first visit to Israel a short time afterward and is expected to concentrate on the security needs of both countries. The PM’s Office expects Jiang’s visit to pass without incident, as did the visit of the Chinese defense minister in October 1999 just days before a visit by Cohen.

Barak must now decide whether to go ahead with a deal to provide China fitted with AWACS systems. The first plane is due to arrive in Beijing soon. The U.S. is demanding that Israel renege on the next parts of the agreement and supply no more planes to the Chinese.