Overview

• On July 2, a German Air Force surveillance jet on an EU-led Operation Aspides patrol was reportedly illuminated by a laser from a Chinese warship.
• Germany’s Foreign Ministry summoned China’s ambassador on July 8 to protest what it called an unprovoked action that risked crew safety.
• The German Defense Ministry said the laser use endangered personnel and equipment and forced the aircraft to abort its mission and return to Djibouti.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described the accusation as “completely incompatible with the facts” and urged pragmatic communication to prevent miscalculations.
• The dispute highlights intensifying competition between EU anti-Houthi patrols and China’s Djibouti-based escort missions to secure vital Red Sea shipping lanes against Houthi rebel attacks.