German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has expressed strong concern regarding a recent incident involving a Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) aircraft being targeted by a Chinese laser, demanding clarification from the Chinese government.
Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Minister Wadephul stated he was “more than irritated” by the occurrence, emphasizing that any disruption to German aircraft or the endangering of its military units without provocation is unacceptable. He confirmed that these concerns were conveyed directly to the Chinese ambassador, who was summoned to the Foreign Office. Wadephul asserted that China “will have to explain itself” regarding the incident.
The minister underscored the potential for the event to strain relations between Germany and China. While reaffirming Germany’s willingness to engage in a partnership with China based on mutual respect and ongoing dialogue, Wadephul cautioned that any violation of international norms or actions undermining the rules-based order would be firmly rejected. He emphasized Germany’s commitment, in conjunction with its European Union partners, to defending both the international legal framework and the economic space of the European Union.