Germany has accused the Chinese military of targeting one of its aircraft with a laser during an EU mission over the Red Sea.

The incident, which forced the German plane to abort its mission and land safely in Djibouti, occurred during Operation Aspides, a defensive EU effort against attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest, calling the laser targeting unacceptable and dangerous, Sky News has reported.

China has not yet responded, though it has denied similar past accusations involving US aircraft.

Written by B.C. Begley