“Putting German personnel at risk and disrupting the operation is completely unacceptable,” said Germany’s foreign ministry on social media platform X.

No further information was immediately available.

The incident comes as fears mount in the EU about Chinese influence on critical technologies and security infrastructure in Europe.

There was no immediate response from the European Commission or China’s foreign ministry, and the Chinese embassy in Berlin did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The EU’s Aspides mission contributes to the protection of freedom of navigation and maritime security, especially for merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf under the EU’s common security and defence policy.