Chinese military shoots laser at German jet during Operation ASPIDES, Berlin summons China’s ambassador

Germany has accused China of targeting its aircraft with a laser during a European Union maritime security operation. The German aircraft was participating in Operation ASPIDES, an EU-led mission aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Gulf region when it was allegedly painted by laser by the Chinese military.

The German Foreign Ministry said on social media platform X that China’s actions put German personnel at risk and disrupted an international security effort, calling the incident “completely unacceptable.”

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In response, Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador to its Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, July 8. The Chinese laser attack happened at a time when concerns are growing across Europe about China’s influence on critical technologies and defense infrastructure.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry, the Chinese Embassy in Berlin, or the European Commission have not immediately commented.

China is reportedly constructing a large laser-ignited fusion research facility in Mianyang, Sichuan province. Satellite imagery analyzed by experts at CNA Corp. and other groups suggests construction has been underway since at least 2020.

The facility could support both nuclear weapons research and advanced energy experiments, though Beijing has not confirmed its purpose.

What is Operation ASPIDES?

Operation ASPIDES is a European Union-led naval security mission launched in early 2024 in response to increasing threats to commercial shipping lanes in critical maritime regions.

The operation was formed under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and focuses on safeguarding vessels navigating through the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.

Its primary goal is to ensure freedom of navigation, protect merchant vessels from attacks by state or non-state actors (such as pirates or regional militias), and support maritime stability in international waters.

The mission was especially galvanized by rising security threats, including attacks on shipping by Houthi rebels in Yemen and growing geopolitical tensions involving regional powers.

Who participates in this operation?

Multiple EU member states contribute naval assets, surveillance aircraft, and personnel to the mission. Germany, France, Italy, and Greece are among the key contributors.

Naval ships under ASPIDES often escort commercial ships, conduct surveillance patrols, and share intelligence on maritime threats in cooperation with allied regional forces, including the US Navy and other international coalitions.