16/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - During a visit to Asia, French defence minister Michèle Alliot-Marie urged Asia to follow the EU's example and develop solidarity and ensure sustainable peace. In Tokyo on Thursday 15 March, on the first leg of her trip, Alliot-Marie said the EU was now recognised as a credible player in managing military crises, making it a model of an alliance of neighbours. Japan is concerned at China's military power but Alliot-Marie slammed the lack of 'logic' of the people who call for the arms embargo on China to be continued, saying the existing export rules in the EU are much tougher than the arms embargo itself. (ab)