Germany accuses China of provocation during EU mission
Photo: German Foreign Ministry (Getty Images)
Germany reports a laser attack by Chinese military forces on an aircraft participating in the EU maritime operation ASPIDES. The German Foreign Ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador, according to its X.
According to official information, Chinese military forces targeted a German aircraft with a laser, thereby endangering the crew's lives and putting at risk the execution of the international ASPIDES mission in the Red Sea.
"Chinese military forces used a laser to target a German aircraft during the EU operation," the German Foreign Ministry stated.
Berlin called Beijing's actions completely unacceptable.
"Endangering German personnel and disrupting the operation is absolutely unacceptable," the ministry added.
In connection with the incident, the Chinese ambassador to Germany was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to provide explanations about the event.
About the ASPIDES mission
The EU operation ASPIDES is a European Union maritime security mission that was officially launched in February 2024. It is being conducted in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and adjacent waters to protect international shipping from attacks by the Houthis (a Yemeni rebel group supported by Iran).
The mission's goal is to ensure freedom of navigation and protect EU and allied commercial vessels from attacks, primarily missile and drone strikes by the Houthis, which have intensified since late 2023.
China’s provocations
Earlier, a Chinese and a Philippine vessel collided in disputed waters of the South China Sea. Following the incident, Beijing and Manila exchanged accusations of provocations.
The United States has also criticized China for provocations in the South China Sea.
