Germany summons Chinese ambassador over laser incident aimed at German plane during EU mission in Red Sea
Germany's Foreign Ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador to Berlin after the Chinese military allegedly pointed a laser at a German aircraft taking part in the EU's Operation Aspides in the Red Sea. The aircraft is part of a mission to protect civilian shipping in the region.
The Guardian writes about this.
“The threat to German personnel and the disruption of the operation are absolutely unacceptable,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on the X social network.
The Chinese embassy, the German Foreign Ministry and the Aspides operation leadership have not provided public comments on the incident.
Operation Aspides was created by the European Union to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea, where Houthi militant activity has increased since Israel's war against Hamas began in October 2023. The attacks, which the group says are a show of support for the Palestinians, often target ships linked to Israel or Western countries.
Germany joined the operation in February 2024. According to the parliamentary mandate, the number of German troops in the mission cannot exceed 700 people.
Amid tensions in the region, EU countries have increasingly expressed concern about China's growing influence, particularly in maritime transport corridors that are critical for international trade.
Earlier it was reported that China had adopted the world's first two-seat 5th generation fighter jet.
