Taiwan's president is urging the European Union not to lift its arms embargo against China, saying the move could threaten stability and security in the region.

Chen Shui-bian made his plea during a videoconference Tuesday with EU lawmakers. The embargo began after Beijing's bloody 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Tiananmen Square.

Mr. Chen says ending the arms ban could lead to "a tilt of the military balance in the Taiwan Strait," and pointed out that China already has more than 700 missiles aimed at Taiwan.

The United States is also expressing opposition to the EU proposal, saying it could put U.S. troops in the region at risk. United States is legally bound to come to Taiwan's defense if China launches a military attack on the island.