Germany today summoned the Chinese ambassador to the Foreign Ministry following an announcement that the Chinese military used a laser against a German Bundeswehr aircraft. The aircraft was part of the European Union’s Operation ASPIDES, which aims to secure the shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
Incident Details and German Response
The German aircraft involved in the incident is part of the EU’s military mission countering Houthi militias in the Red Sea. Germany’s Foreign Ministry stated that it has initiated diplomatic steps.
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry explained: “A reconnaissance aircraft engaged in Red Sea surveillance, during a routine flight as part of the ASPIDES mission, was hit by laser beams from a Chinese warship without any reason or prior contact.” This Chinese warship has been observed in the area multiple times. The Ministry emphasized that the warship’s actions “risked endangering people and equipment.” The aircraft resumed its flight after a temporary landing at the contingent’s base in Djibouti.
“Completely Unacceptable” Threat
The Foreign Ministry conveyed its strong disapproval on the X platform, stating: “Endangering the lives of German personnel and obstructing the mission is completely unacceptable.“
This incident occurs amidst growing concern within the European Union regarding China’s influence on critical technologies and security-sensitive infrastructure in Europe. Neither the European Commission nor the Chinese Foreign Ministry immediately commented on the incident. The Chinese Embassy in Berlin also did not immediately respond to an email inquiry.
Operation ASPIDES and Houthi Attacks
Operation ASPIDES involves 700 soldiers, with the objective of protecting crucial trade routes from attacks by Yemeni Houthis. Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, Houthi militias have been attacking commercial vessels. The German parliament, the Bundestag, approved Germany’s participation in this mission at the end of January.
The Houthis have continued to attack ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden with drones and missiles, as well as targets in Israel. Along with Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthi militia is considered part of the “Axis of Resistance,” led by Iran and directed against Israel and the United States.
