Germany on Tuesday, July 8th, accused the Chinese military of aiming a laser at a German aircraft engaged in the EU-led ASPIDES mission, which safeguards maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
The German Foreign Ministry labeled the act “completely unacceptable,” saying it endangered German personnel and disrupted the operation.
In response, Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador to its Foreign Ministry in Berlin to lodge a formal diplomatic protest.
No precise location details have been disclosed, but the incident reportedly occurred near the Yemeni coast as part of wider efforts against Houthi militant threats to commercial vessels in the region.
The ASPIDES operation, which began in February 2024, brings together naval and air assets from several EU nations—Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, and others—to counteract Houthi attacks that have plagued the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and adjacent waters.
