China 'fires laser at German plane over Red Sea'

China has been accused of firing a laser at a German plane as it flew over the Red Sea. Germany's Foreign Ministry said the act "endangered personnel" taking part in a mission led by the European Union on Tuesday (July 8).

It said in a post on social media: "Putting German personnel at risk and disrupting the operation is completely unacceptable." The EU operation, ASPIDES, aims to protect shipping from attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Some 700 German soldiers are participating in the EU-led operation to protect the vital Red Sea trade route. German news outlet Der Spiegel reported that the jet was reportedly a Bundeswehr reconnaissance aircraft.

The same publication reported that the incident happened as the jet approached a Chinese frigate, but it wasn't immediately clear if any damage was done.

Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador to the foreign ministry in response to the news, in a diplomatic move used by countries to signal discontent.

China and Germany have been engaged in top-level talks in recent weeks to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties in response to US President Donald Trump's tariffs.

News of the alleged incident in the Red Sea came as fears mount in the European Union over China's influence on Europe's security infrastructure and key technologies.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted a Liberian-flagged cargo ship in the Red Sea on Tuesday, according to authorities.

The militia group claimed earlier to have sunk another vessel in an assault which threatens to revive combat across the vital waterway.

Britain's Maritime Trade Operations centre warned the Greek-owned Eternity C was surrounded by small craft and was under "continuous attack".

The bulk carrier had been heading north toward the Suez Canal when it came under fire by men in small boats and by bomb-carrying drones on Monday night. The security guards on board also fired weapons in a bid to repel the attack.