Eboy
There is a huge difference in investing in a project and subsidising a project. Likewise "development loans repayable from sales revenues" can hardly be described as a subsidy. In the startup days I aggree, airbus was subsidised just like you would if you were setting up a Company. I infact just did the same personally when I kicked in more than $M1 to get my new Company up and running. But I now expect it to return the investment. Airbus now say the same, Various Governments and Companies have invested in the projects. Boeing in fact does the same. Check on who financed the 777.
Wino
Correct me if I am wrong but didn't France sell Taiwan, some ships and/or fighter aircraft a few years ago? I seem to remember the Chinese getting upset about something. If I am right the its not only the US that are friendly.
Havea nice day