Germany summons Chinese envoy over aircraft targeting incident

Germany has summoned the Chinese ambassador to its Foreign Ministry after accusing China's military of targeting a German aircraft with a laser during an EU-led maritime security operation.

The German aircraft was participating in the European Union’s ASPIDES mission, which focuses on safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime security, particularly in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Gulf regions. The incident reportedly occurred during a routine patrol under the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy, Caliber.Az reports. 

“Putting German personnel at risk and disrupting the operation is completely unacceptable,” Germany’s Foreign Ministry stated in a post on social media platform X.

Das chinesische Militär hat mit einem Lasereinsatz ein deutsches Flugzeug in der EU-Operation #ASPIDES ins Visier genommen. Die Gefährdung von deutschem Personal & Störung des Einsatzes sind vollkommen inakzeptabel. Der chinesische Botschafter wurde dazu heute ins AA einbestellt.

— Auswärtiges Amt (@AuswaertigesAmt) July 8, 2025

The Chinese embassy in Berlin has yet to issue a public response, and there has been no immediate comment from either China's Foreign Ministry or the European Commission.

The ASPIDES mission, launched in early 2024, has become a key element of the EU’s efforts to counter threats to commercial and merchant vessels navigating increasingly volatile maritime routes.

By Sabina Mammadli