Diplomatic tensions escalated between Germany and China after Berlin formally accused the Chinese military of targeting a German reconnaissance aircraft with a laser during an EU-led mission in the Red Sea. The German Foreign Ministry condemned the incident as “completely unacceptable” and summoned China’s ambassador in protest.
The aircraft, a Multi-Sensor Platform (MSP) used for surveillance and reconnaissance, was operating as part of the EU’s ASPIDES naval mission, which aims to secure shipping routes threatened by Houthi rebel attacks in the southern Red Sea.
Germany’s defence ministry confirmed that the laser was directed from a Chinese warship in the vicinity. The aircraft aborted its mission and safely landed in Djibouti. No injuries were reported, but the sudden targeting disrupted the operation and raised concerns about the safety of EU personnel.
“The endangerment of German personnel and the disruption of the mission are completely unacceptable,” Germany’s foreign office posted on X. Officials noted that there had been no prior communication or warning from the Chinese vessel.
The MSP aircraft is operated by a civilian contractor with German military personnel on board and has been a key asset in intelligence gathering for the ASPIDES operation since October 2024. The aircraft has since resumed its duties after the incident.
China has not publicly commented on the allegation, but similar incidents involving Chinese warships and laser weapons have been reported in the past, mostly by the United States. This case, however, marks one of the few direct confrontations involving a NATO member state.
Germany is among 10 European countries participating in the ASPIDES mission, launched in February 2024 to uphold freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
The laser attack has further strained already delicate relations between China and the European Union, with Berlin calling for respect for international norms and maritime safety.
