When it comes to China, Europe must decide where it stands.

The European Union is considering changing the dynamics of power between the United States, Taiwan and China. In 1989, after the brutal and murderous repression of pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square, Europe joined the United States in an arms embargo of the communist country. Now, more than 15 years later, Europe may lift its embargo.

Much has changed in China – and the world – since the embargo was put in place. But the repression of democratic sentiment continues. Earlier this week, China’s National People’s Congress passed a new law authorizing a military attack if Taiwan seeks independence. By most measures, the law is more posturing than policy change. Already, China takes a highhanded approach to its democratic cousin, Taiwan.

Taiwan is not recognized as a sovereign country by the United States or the United Nations. China maintains that its complicated relationship with Taiwan is an internal affair, and that the world should not interfere. But Taiwan has long been under the protective umbrella of the United States, which has sold the small island arms and vowed to offer aid in the event of an attack.

With pro-independence politicians gaining influence in Taiwan, soon the world – and most important, the United States – may be asked to show how far it is willing to go to support a democratic country.

With the potential for conflict across the Taiwan Straits brought again to the fore, it’s unthinkable that the European Union would consider selling China weapons. To think that the United States could face the military equipment of its NATO allies in any conflict to protect a democratic country is hard to believe.

There may be short-term economic gains to be had if Europe reopens arms sales to China, but the potential consequences should quickly dispel such considerations.

Democracy was trampled in Tiananmen Square. Surely, European leaders would not want to provide the military support to make the same thing possible in Taiwan.