Germany accuses Chinese ship of lasering aircraft, Beijing denies

Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador over allegations that a Chinese naval vessel targeted a German aircraft with a laser in the Red Sea, but Beijing claims this is "not consistent with the facts."

On 8/7, the German Foreign Ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador to Berlin following accusations that a Chinese naval vessel directed a laser at a German aircraft participating in the European Union's Operation Aspides, which protects international shipping lanes in the Red Sea.

According to the German Ministry of Defence, a Chinese warship lasered the aircraft, which was conducting a routine patrol earlier this month without provocation or prior communication. German media reported the incident occurred on 2/7.

The Chinese frigate Hengyang sails through the Torres Strait near Australia on 11/2. Photo: Australian Defence Force

The Chinese frigate Hengyang sails through the Torres Strait near Australia on 11/2. Photo: Australian Defence Force

"The lasering by the Chinese warship endangered the safety of German personnel and equipment," a German Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated, adding that the aircraft aborted its mission as a precaution and landed safely at a base in Djibouti, East Africa.

The spokesperson also mentioned multiple encounters with Chinese warships in the Red Sea, but did not specify the ship's identification or class.

When asked to comment on the accusations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning denied the information provided by Germany.

"This is completely inconsistent with the factual information the Chinese side has grasped," Mao said. "The Chinese navy carries out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia, fulfilling its responsibilities as a major country and contributing to ensuring the safety of international shipping lanes."

According to Mao, China and Germany "need to maintain an attitude of respect for the facts, strengthen timely communication, and avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a press conference in 2023. Photo: Reuters

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a press conference in 2023. Photo: Reuters

China has increased its presence in the Red Sea since establishing its first permanent overseas naval base in Djibouti in 2016, strategically located between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

In 2020, the US accused a Chinese warship of targeting a US Navy patrol aircraft with a laser over international waters west of Guam. In 2022, Australia accused a Chinese naval vessel of lasering an Australian reconnaissance aircraft in the Arafura Sea, west of the Pacific Ocean.

China denied the accusations from both the US and Australia.