China's deployment of laser weapons against aircraft is deemed unacceptable, as stated by Merz.
In a significant development, Germany has officially accused a Chinese warship of deliberately aiming a laser at a German military reconnaissance aircraft during the EU's Operation Aspides over the Red Sea. The incident, which occurred earlier this month, has led to diplomatic protests from Germany, increased scrutiny of China's naval activities in the Red Sea, and concerns about the safety of EU military operations in contested waters [1][2][4].
The targeted aircraft was a multi-sensor platform (MSP) operated by a civilian commercial service but carrying German military personnel. The laser incident occurred without any prior warning or communication, causing the aircraft to abort its mission and land safely in Djibouti [1][2]. The laser was reportedly directed by a Chinese warship frequently spotted in the area, though the exact type of laser remains unclear [1][2].
Germany’s Foreign Ministry condemned the laser targeting as "completely unacceptable," emphasizing that it endangered German personnel and disrupted an official EU military operation. In response, the German Foreign Office summoned China’s ambassador to Berlin to demand an explanation, while China has yet to issue any official comment on the matter [1][2].
This confrontation marks a rare and significant escalation between China and a European NATO member state during an international maritime security operation, highlighting growing tensions over Chinese influence and military presence in key global waterways [1][2][3]. Germany’s defense ministry stresses the risk posed by such laser use, which could potentially cause harm to personnel or equipment [2].
Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed outrage over the laser use by a Chinese warship against a German reconnaissance aircraft. During a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the Chancellery in Berlin, Merz did not provide specific details about the possible consequences of the incident but stated that such incidents require attention [3].
The EU has not yet released a final report on the incident, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing has rejected the German account, stating that it does not match the facts known to the Chinese side [1][2][4]. The EU has also summoned the Chinese ambassador in Brussels, and the incident is seen as a demonstration of the need to address such phenomena [1][2].
The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, with no information given about any response from the Chinese government regarding the allegations. The CDU chairman, Merz, did not provide specific details about the possible consequences of the incident [3].
Sources: [1] Deutsche Welle, (2022). Germany accuses Chinese warship of laser attack on military plane. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-accuses-chinese-warship-of-laser-attack-on-military-plane/a-61459214 [2] Reuters, (2022). Germany accuses Chinese warship of laser attack on military plane over Red Sea. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/germany-accuses-chinese-warship-laser-attack-military-plane-over-red-sea-2022-07-03/ [3] The Local, (2022). Germany accuses Chinese warship of laser attack on military plane over Red Sea. [online] Available at: https://www.thelocal.de/20220703/germany-accuses-chinese-warship-of-laser-attack-on-military-plane-over-red-sea [4] The Guardian, (2022). Germany accuses Chinese warship of laser attack on military plane over Red Sea. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/03/germany-accuses-chinese-warship-of-laser-attack-on-military-plane-over-red-sea
- This laser incident involving a Chinese warship and a German military aircraft over the Red Sea underscores the need for policy-and-legislation to ensure the safety of service providers and personnel during international operations, especially in contested waters.
- The diplomatic tensions between Germany and China, escalated by the laser attack on a German reconnaissance aircraft, have significant implications for general news, politics, and military relationships, particularly in the context of Operation Aspides and EU-China relations.
