China Rejects Germany’s Laser Attack Claim Over Red Sea as “Inconsistent with Facts”

BEIJING – July 10: China on Wednesday strongly denied Germany’s claim that a Chinese military vessel targeted a German reconnaissance aircraft with a laser over the Red Sea, calling the accusation “completely inconsistent with the facts.”

Germany’s foreign ministry said a Luftwaffe aircraft, participating in an EU-led mission to protect maritime routes, had to abandon its mission after being targeted by a laser, which allegedly endangered the crew’s safety. The aircraft reportedly returned to its base in Djibouti following the incident.

However, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning dismissed the allegations. “Chinese naval vessels have been conducting legitimate escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters, contributing to maritime security,” she said. Mao urged both nations to “adopt a pragmatic attitude” and engage in dialogue to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations.

The Bild newspaper in Germany reported that the July 2 incident involved a “blinding laser” near the Yemeni coast, believed to disrupt aircraft operations. It remains unclear whether the laser used was a weapon or part of a targeting system.

Germany termed the alleged act as “entirely unacceptable” and expressed concerns over the safety of personnel involved in international security operations.

China has previously been accused of similar actions. In February 2023, the Philippines accused a Chinese ship of directing a military-grade laser at one of its patrol vessels in the South China Sea. In 2022, Australia also alleged that a Chinese vessel aimed a laser at a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft in an act it labeled as “intimidation.”

China’s naval base in Djibouti, established in 2016, continues to draw international attention due to its proximity to a US military installation. While Beijing claims the base supports peacekeeping, anti-piracy, and humanitarian missions, Western allies have raised concerns over military surveillance and strategic positioning.

As tensions simmer, both Germany and China face mounting pressure to clarify the events and prevent any escalation in a region already fraught with geopolitical risk.