Chinese Military Ship Shoots German Plane Laser, European Union Summons Chinese Ambassador

JAKARTA - The European Union summoned China's ambassador for an incident in which the Chinese military allegedly targeted German aircraft with lasers during the European Union's security mission in the Red Sea. China denies the allegations.

According to Germany, Chinese warships are using lasers to target German patrol aircraft participating in the ASPIDES Operation, a European Union-led mission tasked with protecting commercial ships from the Houthi rebel attack.

The incident reportedly occurred in early July on a routine flight, without warning or prior communication from the Chinese ship.

"The use of lasers by the Chinese military to target German aircraft patrolling with EU ASPIDES Operations in the Red Sea is dangerous and unacceptable," said Anouar El Anouni, spokesman for the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy.

"This action endangers personnel and endangers aircraft missions," he continued.

Meanwhile German officials reported several meetings with the same Chinese warships in the region, Beijing has rejected the claim, saying there was no evidence of hostility.

China has previously denied allegations of firing or directing a laser at a US aircraft.