The Red Sea, July 2025. A German reconnaissance aircraft flew calmly through a cloudless sky, patrolling as part of the EU’s ASPIDES operation to protect civilian vessels from Houthi attacks. It was a routine mission—until something unexpected happened. A laser beam flared from a point on the water. Pilots immediately experienced interference, and one reported temporary vision loss. The aircraft aborted the mission and landed in Djibouti. An investigation began. All evidence pointed to a nearby Chinese warship. Germany lodged a strong protest, summoned China's ambassador, and demanded answers. The EU issued a statement condemning China's actions as a threat to international security. In response, China claimed the allegations were baseless. This marked the beginning of a new phase of diplomatic tension. ASPIDES, a mission meant to protect, had itself become the flashpoint of conflict. In Brussels, officials debated the consequences: tighter control over operational zones, revised interaction protocols, new diplomatic steps. And in the Red Sea, aircraft and ships continued their watch, as if trying to hold back a storm before it turned into an open tempest.