Berlin summons Chinese ambassador, calls act ‘completely unacceptable’
New Delhi: Tensions between Germany and China have escalated after Berlin accused the Chinese military of targeting a German reconnaissance aircraft with a laser during an EU-led mission in the Red Sea.
According to German media outlet Der Spiegel, the incident took place near Yemen’s coast in early July. The aircraft was part of Operation ASPIDES, an EU mission to protect international shipping lanes from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants.
Germany’s foreign ministry condemned the incident, calling it “completely unacceptable.” The Chinese ambassador to Berlin was summoned by the ministry for an explanation.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Germany’s foreign office said, “The endangerment of German personnel and the disruption of the mission are completely unacceptable.”
The German defence ministry confirmed the aircraft involved was a Multi-Sensor Platform (MSP). The MSP is used for aerial surveillance and is operated by a civilian service provider, with German armed forces personnel also on board.
The laser was reportedly fired from a Chinese warship. No warning or communication was issued before the incident. The aircraft was on a routine mission and had to abort the flight as a safety precaution. It landed safely at a base in Djibouti.
Officials described the MSP as a “flying eye,” and it has been supporting the ASPIDES mission with crucial intelligence since its deployment in October 2023. Following the laser incident, the MSP’s operations in the region have now resumed.
Germany is one of several EU countries participating in Operation ASPIDES, launched in February 2024. The mission ensures freedom of navigation and maritime security in the southern Red Sea. Other participating nations include France, Italy, Greece, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and more.
The laser targeting incident has raised serious concerns in Europe, especially as it is one of the rare direct confrontations involving a NATO member and the Chinese military.
In the past, similar laser incidents have been reported by the United States, including a 2020 case where a Chinese ship allegedly targeted a US aircraft near Guam. China has previously denied such claims.
The German government has demanded clarity and accountability from China, even as the EU monitors the situation closely. The event marks a new flashpoint in the Red Sea, already tense due to conflict and military activity.
