President George Bush ask Congress this week to ease an export ban to allow weapons and certain defense technology into China for the Summer Olympics, set to begin in about a month. According to wire reports, the President sent a letter to Capitol Hill seeking a temporary ease on the restrictions that control the shipment of guns and military gyroscopes into China, so athletes in shooting events can take in firearms and TV crews can take in HD helo-cam systems.
The Games, scheduled for Aug. 8-24, will include 15 shooting events. Licensing for the normally restricted gear would still be required, and shipments would have to be approved on a case-by-case basis. The equipment would also have to be returned to the United States after the Olympics.
