Germany accuses China of laser targeting aircraft in EU mission

Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador to the foreign ministry on Tuesday after saying China's military had laser-targeted a German aircraft taking part in an EU operation in the Red Sea, an account Beijing denied.

The flare-up in tensions comes as concerns mount in the EU about Chinese influence on critical technologies and security infrastructure in Europe.

"Putting German personnel at risk and disrupting the operation is completely unacceptable," said Germany's foreign ministry on social media platform X.

China's foreign ministry, when asked about the accusation on Wednesday, said Germany's information was "totally inconsistent with the facts known by the Chinese side."

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"The Chinese Navy carried out escort operations in the Gulf of Aden and waters around Somalia, fulfilled its responsibilities as a major country, and contributed to the maintenance of international waterway security," ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference.

China and Germany should "take a fact-based attitude and strengthen communication in a timely manner to avoid misunderstanding and misjudgement," Mao added.

Germany's defence ministry said the aircraft, taking part in the EU's ASPIDES mission which protects international sea routes in the Red Sea, had been contributing a Multi-Sensor Platform, or "flying eye" for reconnaissance of the area since October.

A Chinese warship, which had been encountered several times in the area, had laser-targeted the aircraft with no reason or prior communication during a routine mission flight, said a ministry spokesperson. The incident took place at the beginning of July.

"By using the laser, the warship put at risk the safety of personnel and material," said the spokesperson, adding the mission flight was aborted as a precaution and the aircraft landed safely at a base in Djibouti.

The deployment of the MSP in ASPIDES has since been resumed, he said.

The MSP is operated by a civilian commercial service provider and German armed forces personnel are involved, said the ministry, adding the data collected significantly contributes to awareness for partners.

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.

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In 2020, the U.S. Pacific Fleet said a Chinese warship had fired a laser at a U.S. naval patrol aircraft flying in airspace above international waters west of Guam. China said that did not accord with the facts.