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Germany Summons Chinese Ambassador Over Laser Targeting of EU Aircraft in Red Sea

Beijing rejects Berlin’s accusation that its warship aimed a laser at a German reconnaissance plane

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The flags of Germany, China and the European Union are seen ahead of a meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Berlin, Germany, June 19, 2023. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo
The flags of Germany and China are seen ahead of a meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Berlin, Germany, June 19, 2023. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File photo
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Overview

  • On July 8, Germany’s Foreign Office summoned China’s ambassador to protest after a Chinese warship allegedly aimed a laser at a German aircraft during the EU’s Aspides mission.
  • The Defense Ministry reported the multi-sensor reconnaissance plane aborted its sortie, landed safely in Djibouti and has since resumed maritime surveillance operations.
  • Officials have not determined whether the beam was a weaponized laser or a laser guidance system in the encounter with the Chinese vessel.
  • Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning described the claim as “completely inconsistent with the facts” and urged prompt communication to prevent misunderstandings.
  • The European Commission has remained silent on the dispute, highlighting broader EU unease over China’s growing naval presence.