Latest news with #OperationASPIDES
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
China Reacts to Laser Accusation by US's NATO Ally
China said Germany had got its facts wrong after it accused the Chinese military of using a laser against one of its aircraft. Germany, a NATO ally, said the aircraft was taking part in the European Union's (EU) Operation ASPIDES, a defensive maritime security operation to protect international shipping in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Gulf. "As we have learned from the competent authorities, what Germany said is fully inconsistent with the facts that China knows," said Mao Ning, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, at a press briefing on Wednesday, July 9. "The Chinese Navy's escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters of Somalia say much about China fulfilling its responsibility as a major country and contributing to the safety of international shipping lanes. "The two sides should strengthen communication in a facts-based and timely way to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation." This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow. Related Articles Chinese Man Accused of Hacking and Stealing Covid Research Arrested-FBIVietnam Intercepts China Research Ship Near CoastMap Shows 'Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone' Backed by Russia and ChinaUS Flexes Air Power With Ally in Contested South China Sea 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
EU summons Chinese ambassador over laser incident involving German aircraft
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: The flags of Germany, China and the European Union are seen ahead of a meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Berlin, Germany, June 19, 2023. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo BRUSSELS - The European Union has summoned the Chinese ambassador following an incident in which China's military allegedly targeted a German aircraft with a laser during an EU security mission in the Red Sea. China has denied the accusation. According to Germany, a Chinese warship used a laser to target a German patrol aircraft taking part in Operation ASPIDES, the EU-led mission tasked with protecting commercial vessels from Houthi rebel attacks. The incident reportedly occurred in early July during a routine flight, with no prior warning or communication from the Chinese vessel. "The Chinese military's use of a laser to target a German aircraft patrolling with EU Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea is dangerous and unacceptable," said Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the EU's Foreign and Security Policy. "This act put personnel at risk and compromised the aircraft's mission." While German officials have reported multiple encounters with the same Chinese warship in the region, Beijing has rejected the claim, saying there is no evidence of hostile action. China has previously denied accusations of firing or pointing lasers at U.S. planes. Incidents involving a European NATO member and China are more unusual. REUTERS
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Reacts to Laser Accusation by US's NATO Ally
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China said Germany had got its facts wrong after it accused the Chinese military of using a laser against one of its aircraft. Germany, a NATO ally, said the aircraft was taking part in the European Union's (EU) Operation ASPIDES, a defensive maritime security operation to protect international shipping in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Gulf. "As we have learned from the competent authorities, what Germany said is fully inconsistent with the facts that China knows," said Mao Ning, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, at a press briefing on Wednesday, July 9. "The Chinese Navy's escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters of Somalia say much about China fulfilling its responsibility as a major country and contributing to the safety of international shipping lanes. "The two sides should strengthen communication in a facts-based and timely way to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation." This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
China Military Uses Laser on US Ally's Aircraft: What to Know
Germany's Foreign Office has accused the Chinese military of targeting one of its aircraft with a laser during a European Union (EU) operation. The aircraft was taking part in the EU's Operation ASPIDES, a defensive maritime security operation to protect international shipping in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf against Houthi attacks. "Endangering German personnel & disrupting the operation is entirely unacceptable," the foreign office said in a July 8 post on X, formerly Twitter. "The Chinese ambassador was summoned to the Federal Foreign Office today." Newsweek has contacted the Chinese foreign ministry and Germany's Federal Foreign Office for comment. The incident comes amid growing concern about China's influence on critical technologies and security infrastructure in Europe. Up to 700 German armed forces personnel were taking part in the EU-led operation in the Red Sea to prepare for Houthi attacks on key trade routes, according to German newspaper Der Spiegel, after Berlin had extended its participation in the mission in January. As well as Germany, the mission involves Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands and Sweden. The U.S. carried out a bombing campaign against the Houthis earlier this year to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The paper said that China had targeted a German reconnaissance aircraft off the coast of Yemen, without specifying the model of plane. Der Spiegel said the incident occurred when the aircraft was approaching a Chinese frigate. "Possible damage is still unclear and is still being investigated," the paper added, according to a translation. Another German outlet, Taggeschau, reported an unspecified Chinese warship directed a laser at the aircraft. China's defense ministry announced its military presence in the area on June 10. It said its 47th naval escort taskforce was in the Gulf of Aden where it was conducting underway replenishment (UNREP) in which fuel, munitions, and stores are transferred from one ship to another. The statement named the supply ship Gaoyouhu and the guided-missile destroyer Baotou. The taskforce also carried out training for ship-borne helicopter flights and light weapons live-fire shooting. German foreign ministry on X: "Endangering German personnel & disrupting the operation is entirely unacceptable." The Chinese ambassador has been summoned to Germany's Federal Foreign Office so there will be anticipation over the diplomatic fallout following Berlin's claims, which have not been confirmed by Beijing. Related Articles US Flexes Air Power With Ally in Contested South China SeaThe Limits of the New Anti-Western Axis | OpinionChina Scolds Marco Rubio for Dalai Lama CommentsUS Navy Stealth Ship Shows Up on China's Doorstep 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
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.' Also Read: US no longer secular, church-state separation ends? IRS says pastors can back political candidates without risking their church's tax-exempt status 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. Live Events 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.
