China has disputed Germany’s accusation that a Chinese warship targeted a German reconnaissance plane with a laser during EU-led operations in the Red Sea, calling the claims inconsistent with facts. The incident occurred earlier this month as Germany participated in missions protecting ships from Houthi rebel attacks, forcing the aircraft to abort its mission and return to Djibouti. Germany summoned China’s ambassador over what it called a ‘dangerous and unacceptable’ act that endangered personnel, while the EU also summoned Beijing’s envoy. China maintains its naval presence in the region is for legitimate anti-piracy and freedom of navigation operations near Somalia. This follows previous US accusations of similar laser-targeting incidents by China, which Beijing has consistently denied.