China has rebuffed Germany's allegations that a Chinese warship fired laser at its military plane.

Germany says China attempted to disrupt one of its aircraft earlier this month as it was taking part in European Union-led operations aimed at protecting ships in the Red Sea from missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi rebel group.

Consequently, Germany's foreign ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador, labelling the alleged act as "entirely unacceptable". Also, the European Union (EU) has summoned China's envoy over the allegations.

In response to Germany's claims, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday, July 9, during a press briefing, dismissed the claim as “completely inconsistent with the facts known by the Chinese side".

According to her, China's navy had been carrying out "escort operations" in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

She suggested that a “pragmatic attitude” be adopted by both countries to enhance communication and avoid misunderstandings or miscalculations.

Germany's side of the story

On Tuesday, July 8, Germany reported that a reconnaissance plane was targeted as it flew over the Red Sea; a surveillance exercise they have been a part of since early 2024 to protect ships from regular attacks launched from Yemen.

The laser was fired from a Chinese warship, which had been spotted several times and had made no communication with the passing aircraft, Germany said.

The plane was forced to abandon its mission and return to a military base in the East African nation of Djibouti as a precaution, according to the foreign ministry.

This annoyed Berlin so much that it accused China of "endangering German personnel and disrupting the operation".

EU foreign policy spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the incident was "dangerous and unacceptable".

"This act put personnel at risk and compromised the aircraft's mission," he added.

Lasers can be used to blind pilots, and a new class of powerful lasers capable of disabling targets in the air are under development by militaries around the world.

China established a permanent military presence in the region in 2017 when it opened a base in Djibouti, which Beijing says is used for anti-piracy and freedom of maritime navigation operations.

Western governments have expressed concerns about China's ambitions in the region since opening the base in Djibouti, where the US, Japan, France and others also have military installations.