A Chinese ship "illuminated" a Bundeswehr plane with a laser: Berlin is boiling, Beijing is silent
Berlin has sent a strong diplomatic signal to Beijing following the incident in the Red Sea. According to the German Foreign Ministry, during a routine patrol as part of the EU's ASPIDES operation, a Chinese warship pointed a laser at a Bundeswehr aircraft. The incident endangered the lives of the crew and compromised the security of the mission, which protects a key trade artery from attacks by Yemen's Houthi militia.
Das chinesische Militär has with einem Lasereinsatz ein deutsches Flugzeug in der EU-Operation #ASPIDES ins Visier genommen. Die Gefährdung von deutschem Personal Störung des Einsatzes are vollkommen inakzeptabel. Der chinesische Botschafter wurde dazu heute ins AA einbestellt.
- Auswärtiges Amt (@AuswaertigesAmt) 8 July 2025
A reconnaissance aircraft deployed for maritime surveillance in the Red Sea was lasered without cause or prior contact during a routine ASPIDES mission over the Red Sea by a Chinese warship that has been seen in the area several times before
Up to 700 German troops are involved in the ASPIDES mission, and the Bundeswehr's participation was extended by the Bundestag in late January. After the incident, the German aircraft landed at a base in Djibouti and then continued its mission. "This is completely unacceptable," Berlin said and summoned the Chinese ambassador for an explanation.
Beijing has not yet officially responded. The European Commission has also refrained from commenting. The incident comes amid growing concern in the EU about China's influence on critical technologies and infrastructure.
What is ASPIDES?
ASPIDES is a European Union naval operation launched in 2024 to protect navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The name comes from the Greek word "ἀσπίς" - "shield" - and symbolises the defensive nature of the mission.
The operation was a response to numerous Houthi attacks on merchant ships since the start of the Israeli-Hamas conflict. The main goal of ASPIDES is to guarantee the safe passage of civilian and cargo ships on one of the world's most important sea lanes, which is used by about 12% of global trade every day.
- The mission includes ships, aircraft and drones from EU countries.
- Germany is contributing up to 700 troops, patrol aircraft and ships.
- The mission's mandate allows for convoy escorts, aerial reconnaissance and response to drone and missile attacks.
Source: DW
