diplomacy
Merz: China’s laser insert against aircraft unacceptable
Beijing has rejected German representations for a laser use against a reconnaissance aircraft in EU mission. But the Chancellor wants a precise clarification of the incident.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is outraged by the laser use of a Chinese warship against a German reconnaissance aircraft as part of the EU military operation “Aspides” over the Red Sea. “The possible laser attack on an aircraft of military surveillance is completely unacceptable,” said the CDU chairman at a meeting with NATO general secretary Mark Rutte in the Chancellery in Berlin.
After the Chinese ambassador had been ordered to the Foreign Office the day before, Foreign Minister Johann WadePhul (CDU) had not yet submitted a final report on the conversation, said Merz. He would therefore not conclude the incident. However, the Chancellor added: “Something like that shows that we also have to deal with such phenomena.” The Federal Government will explain the processes closely.
EU also orders Chinese ambassadors
According to German information, the warship had given a German information on a German reconnaissance aircraft for no reason and prior contact. The aircraft was on the road for the EU surgery “Aspides”, with which merchant ships are to be protected from attacks by the Yemeni Huthi militia.
China contradicted the German representation. She did not match the facts known to the Chinese side, it was said from the Foreign Office in Beijing. The EU has now also ordered the Chinese ambassador in Brussels.
dpa
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
