Missiles for Chang

Another wonderful idea from the experts who brought you "battle groups".

The EU embargo on arms exports to China is likely to be lifted in the next six months despite US objections, UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has said.

The 15-year-old ban was imposed in the aftermath of China's crackdown on protesters in Tiananmen Square.

Mr Straw told a Commons select committee human rights concerns over China remained.

But he said it was wrong to put China under the same embargo as countries such as Zimbabwe and Burma.

Just one question. Why not? Has China cleaned up its act? No. Is China complying with the European Union's beloved Kyoto Protocol? Nope. So why's it happening?

But [Straw] said an EU code of conduct would prevent an increase in the number of arms being exported to the country.

"If it is lifted we will end up with as effective arms controls in relation to China as we have now."

So basically, there's no change in policy, but by using a piece of the EU "code of conduct" they can improve relations with China, as the code of contact doesn't constitute a "ban" per se.

Politics as usual, my friends. Politics as usual.