China Disputes German Allegations of Laser Targeting of Military Aircraft

Sat Jul 19 2025 02:12:45 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
China Disputes German Allegations of Laser Targeting of Military Aircraft

Amid rising tensions, China refutes Germany's claims of a laser targeting incident involving a military plane in the Red Sea, prompting diplomatic backlash.


In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, China has rejected Germany's allegations of a laser incident involving a military reconnaissance aircraft, raising concerns over military operations in the Red Sea. The German foreign ministry accused China of intentionally targeting its aircraft as part of operations designed to protect vessels from Houthi missile attacks, leading to a formal summons of the Chinese ambassador. In response, Beijing contested Germany's version of events, insisting that it was "totally inconsistent with the facts known by the Chinese side."

According to German officials, the incident occurred earlier this month when a Chinese warship allegedly fired a laser at a reconnaissance plane as it was conducting surveillance. China, however, claims that its naval activities in the region were focused on escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somalia, and encouraged both nations to approach the situation with facts to prevent misunderstandings.

The incident forced the German aircraft to return to its base in Djibouti as a precaution, prompting Berlin to express outrage. Tensions in the region are amplified by China's military presence in Djibouti, established in 2017, which has raised alarms among Western governments regarding its growing influence over vital maritime routes.

As diplomatic discussions unfold, the incident highlights the complexities of international relations in a region marked by ongoing military operations and geopolitical strife, especially concerning the activities of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen.

### Who are the Houthis and why is the US targeting them?
Middle East, Germany, China, Djibouti.

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