President Bush has scored an important – if temporary – diplomatic victory. Or, perhaps, the European Union has simply come to its collective senses. Either way, the president deserves credit for organizing stiff resistance to a terrible idea.

The European Union will maintain its arms embargo on China and likely won’t address the issue again until next year, according to reports this week.. EU members had been considering an end to the embargo, which was placed on China after the 1989 massacre of pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square.

China, with an exploding economy, represents the largest geopolitical rival for the United States. But keeping sensitive military equipment out of the country’s hands goes beyond prestige, short-term financial gains or punishment. China remains belligerent in regards to the island democracy of Taiwan. In diplomatic circles, Taiwan is considered part of China. In reality, the island is a sovereign nation that depends upon the United States for political and military support. The Taiwanese have built a democracy, conduct elections and engender the wrath of their Communist cousins in China.

Without the support of the United States, Taiwan would likely end as a democracy. It’s good news that the European Union has at least put off a decision that could undermine stability in Asia and threaten a developing democracy.