Germany has formally protested after a Chinese naval vessel allegedly targeted a German surveillance aircraft with a military-grade laser during routine EU Aspides mission patrols in the Red Sea. The German Foreign Ministry summoned China’s ambassador in Berlin, calling the incident “entirely unacceptable” for endangering personnel and disrupting operations.

The aircraft—a multi-sensor platform operated under the EU-led Aspides initiative to safeguard merchant vessels from Houthi rebel threats—was forced to abort its mission and return to base in Djibouti. Thankfully, no crew members were harmed. Germany emphasized that the laser was deployed "without reason or prior contact" and risked both lives and sensitive equipment.

Berlin’s strong diplomatic response reflects growing unease within the EU over China’s military presence in strategic maritime zones. A German Defense Ministry source noted this was an "unprovoked" act by a Chinese warship previously spotted in the region. While China has not yet issued an official statement, officials say the EU mission’s reconnaissance flights have since resumed.