Germany Accuses Chinese Navy of Targeting Its Aircraft with Laser During Red Sea Mission

Tensions flared in international waters after Germany accused the Chinese military of targeting one of its reconnaissance aircraft with a laser during an EU-led maritime security mission in the Red Sea. The incident, which took place on July 2 near the Yemeni coast, has drawn sharp criticism from Berlin and triggered a formal diplomatic protest.

According to the German Foreign Ministry, the laser was directed at a German aircraft involved in the European Union’s Aspides mission—a coalition effort focused on safeguarding commercial vessels from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The aircraft, described as a “multi-sensor platform” used primarily for surveillance, was operating routinely when it was allegedly targeted “without reason or prior contact” by a Chinese naval vessel.

“This kind of behavior is entirely unacceptable,” Germany’s Foreign Ministry stated on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the Chinese ambassador in Berlin had been summoned for an official explanation.

The German Defense Ministry also expressed concern, warning that the Chinese action had “endangered German personnel and equipment,” forcing the aircraft to abort its mission and return to its base in Djibouti.

While it remains unclear whether the laser was a directed-energy weapon or part of a guidance or surveillance system, German officials have stressed the potential risks such actions pose to flight crews and regional stability.

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Up to 700 German soldiers are currently deployed as part of Operation Aspides, which was launched by the European Union to counter maritime threats in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The mission gained urgency following a surge in Houthi rebel attacks on international shipping, including the recent targeting of a Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged vessel—claimed by the Houthis as a move in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

As geopolitical frictions escalate in the region, Berlin’s strong response to the laser incident underscores growing concerns over China’s role in international waters and the fragile balance of power along key global shipping routes.

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