Chinese and Iranian warships were docked off South Africa’s main navy base Thursday ahead of exercises that officials said were also meant to involve Russia.<\/p>\n
The January 9-16 “Will for Peace” drill hosted by South Africa risks further straining its ties with the United States, which is in dispute with many of the countries taking part.<\/p>\n
AFP journalists saw two Chinese ships in Cape Town’s False Bay harbour on Wednesday, joined by an Iranian vessel on Thursday.<\/p>\n
South African navy officials said warships from Russia were also expected to take part in the China-led exercises.<\/p>\n
The drill was focused on the “safety of shipping and maritime economic activities”, the South African defence force said in December when it announced the manoeuvres.<\/p>\n
It was intended to “deepen cooperation in support of peaceful maritime security initiatives,” it said.<\/p>\n
The statement said the exercise would involve navies from BRICS countries.<\/p>\n
President Donald Trump has accused countries in the BRICS group of emerging nations of “anti-American” policies.<\/p>\n
South Africa has drawn US criticism for its close ties with Russia and a range of other policies, including its decision to bring a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the Gaza war.<\/p>\n
South Africa’s military was criticised for hosting naval exercises with Russia and China in 2023 that coincided with the one-year anniversary of the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine.<\/p>\n
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