Key Facts
• July 8, 2025: German Foreign Ministry summoned Chinese ambassador over laser incident.
• Incident occurred during EU’s ASPIDES operation in the Red Sea.
• German aircraft was conducting reconnaissance to protect commercial vessels.
• Chinese warship allegedly targeted the aircraft with a laser in early July.
• No prior warning or justification was provided for the laser use.
• German aircraft safely landed at a base in Djibouti after suspending its mission.
• ASPIDES reconnaissance operations have since resumed.
• German Foreign Ministry condemned the act as endangering personnel and disrupting operations.
• China’s Foreign Ministry has not issued a comment on the matter.
Summary
The German Foreign Ministry has condemned China for allegedly targeting a German military aircraft with a laser during an EU-led operation in the Red Sea. The incident, which occurred in early July 2025, involved a Chinese warship directing a laser at the aircraft without prior warning or justification. The German aircraft, part of the ASPIDES mission to protect commercial vessels, was forced to suspend its reconnaissance mission and safely landed at a base in Djibouti. The German Foreign Ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador, calling the act unacceptable and a threat to personnel and operations. Despite the disruption, ASPIDES operations have resumed. China has yet to comment on the allegations.
