U.S. changes its tune about Israel's support for China's early-warning system

Monday, November 15, 1999

WASHINGTON -- The United States says Israel has not transferred U.S. technology to China.

U.S. officials announced this one day after President Bill Clinton said Washington was concerned by an Israeli-Russian project to supply China with airborne early-warning systems.

"We have no reason to believe that the sale in question contains U.S.-controlled technology," State Department spokesman James Rubin said on Friday. "We have discussed the issue with Israel and we have no reason to believe it involves U.S.-controlled technology. American laws would, therefore, not be applicable, nor are there international agreements prohibiting sales like this."

Rubin said the Israeli sale of an AEW system was discussed with U.S. officials. In the deal, Israel will supply the Phalcon system to China and Russia is to supply the Il-76 platform.

The State Department spokesman said he didn't know of any cases where Israel has accused Washington of selling Israeli technology to Arab countries. "I think primarily the technology-sharing has gone the other direction," he said. "Certainly, we discuss with Israel, given the friendship and support we have for the state of Israel and their security, we discuss arms sales on a regular basis."

On Friday, Israeli officials said they plan to continue with the airborne early-warning project for China. They said the project does not involve the transfer of U.S. technology to Beijing and that Western companies, including those in the United States, are involved in deals with China that include more advanced technology than that being offered by the Jewish state.

On Thursday, President Bill Clinton acknowledged that Washington has expressed opposition to the $250 million project.