Berlin Blasts ‘Unacceptable’ Chinese Laser Strike on Red Sea Patrol Plane

Berlin has summoned China’s ambassador after a Chinese frigate aimed a laser at a German multi-sensor surveillance plane assigned to the EU’s Aspides mission, calling the act “completely unacceptable.” 

The unarmed aircraft—nicknamed a “flying eye” for its broad maritime-watch capabilities—was conducting a routine patrol earlier this month when the frigate engaged it “without reason or prior contact,” the German Defence Ministry said. The crew aborted the mission and returned safely to base in Djibouti; flights have since resumed.

“The endangerment of German personnel and disruption of the operation are completely unacceptable,” the Foreign Office posted on X while announcing that Ambassador Deng Hongbo had been called in.

Der Spiegel’s account, echoed by officials, says the Chinese crew broke standard practice by failing to hail the aircraft on the distress frequency before firing the laser.

Operation Aspides, launched in February 2024, shields Red Sea shipping from Houthi missile and drone attacks. Berlin’s mandate allows up to 700 service members and the aircraft itself is contractor-flown with German soldiers on board.

China’s Djibouti base sits only kilometres from Western facilities. In 2018, the Pentagon lodged a similar protest after US C-130 pilots suffered eye injuries from suspected Chinese lasers near the same air corridor.

With Houthi strikes already choking a trade route that carries roughly 12% of global seaborne commerce, any additional military brinkmanship raises insurance costs and rerouting pressures.


Information for this story was found via Th Guardian and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Leave a Reply

Video Articles

Mergers Set the Stage for Uranium’s Growth Cycle | Forum-Baselode Merger

The Goal is Gold Production as Soon as Possible! | Gordon Robb – ESGOLD Corp.

Snowline Gold: The Multi Billion Dollar Valley PEA

Recommended

First Majestic Produces 7.9 Silver Equivalent Ounces In Q2, Lifts Production Guidance

Antimony Resources Drills 4.17% Antimony Over 7.4 Metres At Bald Hill

Related News

Germany Approves Plans For Expansion Of Gas Power Plants

Germany has approved a significant expansion in its gas-fired power capacity, aiming to finance the...

Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 12:33:00 PM

Chinese Nuclear Submarine Sinks, U.S. Officials Claim Beijing Covered Up Incident

In a recent incident involving China’s navy, a first-in-class nuclear-powered submarine reportedly sank at a...

Thursday, September 26, 2024, 01:39:58 PM

China Restricts Rare-Earth Technology Exports

China has announced a ban on the export of technology crucial for the production of...

Friday, December 22, 2023, 10:04:26 AM

China Bull Mark Mobius: “I can’t get my money out.”

Mark Mobius says he “can’t get his money out” but Chinese regulator says “there was...

Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 12:40:00 PM

China Bans Officials from Private Equity Investments Amid Anti-Corruption Drive

The Chinese Communist Party has issued a directive instructing its officials to refrain from investing...

Monday, November 6, 2023, 07:43:35 AM