The German Foreign Ministry has alleged that the Chinese armed forces directed a laser at one of its planes during a certain incident.
European Union
(
EU
) operation.
The plane was involved in the EU’s Operation ASPIDES, a naval defense mission aimed at safeguarding global trade in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Gulf from assaults by the Houthis.
“Putting German staff at risk and interfering with the mission is completely intolerable,” said the foreign ministry.
mentioned in a post on X from July 8th
, formerly
Twitter
The Chinese envoy was called to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
reached out to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Germany’s Federal Foreign Office for response.
Why It Matters
The event occurs against the backdrop of increasing worries regarding China’s impact on vital technologies and security systems across Europe.
What To Know
As many as 700 members of the German military were involved in the European Union-sponsored mission in the Red Sea aimed at safeguarding vital shipping lanes from potential Houthi threats, reported a German newspaper.
Der Spiegel
, following Berlin’s decision to continue its involvement in the mission in January.
In addition to Germany, the operation includes Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The United States conducted a bombing campaign against the Houthis earlier this year to ensure free movement of ships in the Red Sea.
The report stated that China had aimed at a German surveillance aircraft near the coastline of Yemen, but did not mention the specific type of aircraft.
Der Spiegel
mentioned that the event took place as the plane was nearing a Chinese destroyer.
“Possible damage is still unclear and is still being investigated,” the paper added, according to a translation.
A different German publication, Taggeschau, stated that an unknown Chinese vessel aimed a laser at the aircraft.
The Chinese Ministry of Defense disclosed its armed forces’ deployment in the region on June 10.
It mentioned that its 47th Naval Escort Task Force was operating in the Gulf of Aden, carrying out an at-sea resupply (UNREP), during which fuel, ammunition, and provisions were transferred between vessels. The statement identified the supply vessel.
Gaoyouhu
and the guided-missile destroyer
Baotou
.
The team also conducted training sessions for helicopters operating from ships and firing exercises with lightweight weaponry.
What People Are Saying
Foreign Ministry of Germany on X:
Putting German staff at risk and interfering with the mission is completely intolerable.
What Happens Next
The Chinese envoy has been called to Germany’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leading to expectations about the diplomatic consequences after Berlin made allegations that have yet to be verified by Beijing.
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