Germany Summons China Over Red Sea Laser Incident

Germany accused a Chinese warship of targeting a German surveillance aircraft, operated by a civilian provider with German military personnel, with a laser during a routine EU maritime security mission as part of Operation Aspides over the Red Sea. The German Foreign Ministry called the act 'completely unacceptable,' citing endangerment of personnel and mission disruption, and summoned China's ambassador for an explanation. The targeted aircraft aborted its mission and landed safely in Djibouti, with flight operations resuming afterward. While similar laser incidents involving Chinese forces have occurred in the Pacific, this is a rare escalation in the Red Sea region. China has not commented on the incident, and the type of laser used remains unspecified. Operation Aspides continues, aiming to protect commercial shipping from Houthi attacks and ensure maritime safety.