Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on July 9, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 23, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleThe EU has summoned China's ambassador after a Chinese warship allegedly targeted a German aircraft with a laser during an EU mission in the Red Sea.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union has summoned the Chinese ambassador following an incident in which China's military allegedly targeted a German aircraft with a laser during an EU security mission in the Red Sea. China has denied the accusation.
According to Germany, a Chinese warship used a laser to target a German patrol aircraft taking part in Operation ASPIDES, the EU-led mission tasked with protecting commercial vessels from Houthi rebel attacks. The incident reportedly occurred in early July during a routine flight, with no prior warning or communication from the Chinese vessel.
"The Chinese military's use of a laser to target a German aircraft patrolling with EU Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea is dangerous and unacceptable," said Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the EU's Foreign and Security Policy. "This act put personnel at risk and compromised the aircraft's mission."
While German officials have reported multiple encounters with the same Chinese warship in the region, Beijing has rejected the claim, saying there is no evidence of hostile action.
China has previously denied accusations of firing or pointing lasers at U.S. planes. Incidents involving a European NATO member and China are more unusual.
(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
The EU summoned the Chinese ambassador after a Chinese warship allegedly targeted a German aircraft with a laser during an EU security mission.
The German aircraft was participating in Operation ASPIDES, which is tasked with protecting commercial vessels from Houthi rebel attacks.
China rejected the claims, stating that there is no evidence of hostile action against the German aircraft.
China has previously denied accusations of using lasers against U.S. planes, making incidents involving European NATO members more unusual.
Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the EU's foreign affairs, described the Chinese military's actions as dangerous and unacceptable.
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