Berlin, July 8 (AP) Germany's Foreign Office announced on Tuesday that it has summoned the Chinese ambassador to express its protest after a German aircraft was targeted with a laser by a Chinese warship in the Red Sea. The aircraft, a part of the EU mission Aspides, aims to protect civilian ships against potential threats from Houthi rebels operating in Yemen. The incident took place earlier this month "without any reason or prior contact" by a Chinese warship which had been frequently observed in the region, according to the German Defence Ministry. A spokesperson from the ministry, who spoke under anonymity in accordance with government policy, stated that the laser deployment by the warship had jeopardized both personnel and equipment. In response, the aircraft’s mission was prematurely terminated as a safety measure. Fortunately, the aircraft landed without incident at the Djibouti base, and the crew remained unharmed, the ministry confirmed. The aircraft, managed by a civilian commercial provider but involving German military personnel, has since resumed operations in the Red Sea under the EU mission. The German Foreign Office emphatically stated on social media platform X that such actions that endanger German personnel and interfere with operations are completely unacceptable. China's representatives had not made any public statement regarding the incident as of Tuesday. The EU mission, which strictly defends civilian vessels and refrains from engaging in military aggression, continues to operate in what is considered a high-risk section of the Red Sea. Meanwhile, on the same day, Houthi rebels from Yemen perpetuated a prolonged assault on a cargo ship sailing under the Liberian flag in the Red Sea. This followed their claims of sinking another vessel, an attack that could potentially reignite hostilities along the crucial maritime corridor. (AP) RD RD
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