Germany summoned China's ambassador after a Chinese warship laser-targeted a German military aircraft in the Red Sea during an EU mission, prompting protests over safety and sovereignty concerns amid ongoing regional tensions.
Germany accused China of laser targeting a German aircraft involved in an EU operation in the Red Sea, leading to the German ambassador being summoned. The incident, which occurred in early July, involved a Chinese warship targeting the aircraft with a laser during a routine reconnaissance mission, prompting Germany to abort the mission for safety reasons. China has denied similar accusations in the past, and this incident marks a rare confrontation involving a European NATO member and China.
The German navy frigate "Hessen" has set sail to join a planned EU mission to protect ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, as the rebels have targeted merchant ships in support of Palestinians amid Israel's conflict with Hamas. The EU mission, dubbed Operation Aspides, aims to deploy warships and airborne early warning systems to safeguard cargo ships in the vital trade route. The US and UK have also conducted airstrikes against Houthi targets, with the Red Sea and Suez Canal serving as crucial passages for global trade.