China denies Germany’s accusation of dangerous laser incident in Red Sea

China has pushed back against Germany’s accusation that one of its warships acted dangerously toward a German surveillance plane in the Red Sea, further straining Beijing’s ties with Europe.

“As we have learned from the competent authorities, what Germany said is fully inconsistent with the facts,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on July 9. She added that China “fulfills its responsibility as a major country and contributes to the safety of international shipping lanes,” calling for both sides to “strengthen communication in a facts-based and timely way to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation,” Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Berlin claims a German reconnaissance aircraft participating in an EU-led security operation was targeted with a laser by a Chinese warship in early July. The aircraft was part of Operation ASPIDES, an EU mission to safeguard commercial shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by the Houthi militia.

The reported incident coincided with a diplomatic visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Brussels, Germany, and France. It also comes amid broader tensions between China and the European Union, including Beijing’s decision to cancel part of an upcoming summit with EU leaders.

In response to the alleged laser incident, both Germany and the European Union summoned China’s ambassador. 

“I am more than irritated by this incident. Such disruption of our aircraft, as well as any other unprovoked endangerment of our units, is unacceptable, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated, demanding crification. 

The EU also issued a formal complaint.

“The Chinese military's use of a laser to target a German aircraft patrolling with EU Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea is dangerous and unacceptable,” said Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the EU's Foreign and Security Policy. “This act put personnel at risk and compromised the aircraft's mission.”

German authorities say there have been multiple encounters with the same Chinese warship in the region. China, however, has rejected the claims and said there is no evidence of hostile behavior.

By Sabina Mammadli