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 a thorough explanation 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 unwarranted endangerment of military personnel is unacceptable. This sentiment, he confirmed, was conveyed “clearly and distinctly” to the Chinese ambassador, who was summoned to the Foreign Ministry. Wadephul insisted that China “will have to explain itself.
The incident, he indicated, has the potential to strain German-Chinese relations. While affirming Germany’s willingness to engage with China on an equal footing and foster cooperation, Wadephul stressed the importance of upholding international norms. “We will clearly reject any unlawful behavior by China and anything that is directed against our rules-based order” he stated. Minister Wadephul underscored Germany’s commitment, in conjunction with its European Union partners, to proactively defend the international legal framework and the economic space of the European Union.
