US EditionChina, Russia, Iran start 'BRICS Plus' naval exercises in South African waters
The week-long 'Will for Peace 2026' exercise involves 11 BRICS Plus nations aiming to enhance maritime safety and anti-piracy cooperation, South Africa's defense force said.
- On Jan 10, China, Russia and Iran began the week-long Exercise WILL FOR PEACE 2026 in South African waters, described as a BRICS Plus operation for maritime safety and interoperability.
- Seen by members as a counterweight, the grouping BRICS Plus expands original BRICS founders Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with Iran joining last year to challenge U.S. and Western economic dominance.
- Chinese and allied warships arrived at Simon's Town, with Tangshan, a 161-meter guided-missile destroyer, IRIS Makran berthed and the Russian corvette arriving on Jan 9.
- The drills are expected to further strain ties between the United States and South Africa, while South Africa's Democratic Alliance opposes hosting Russia and Iran, citing contradiction to neutrality.
- Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa said `This exercise was planned long before these tensions we are witnessing today`, with Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia observing and the United Arab Emirates expected to join.
157 Articles
157 Articles
Russia Joins China And Iran For Naval Drills Off South Africa
A Russian warship has sailed into South African waters. It will join Chinese and Iranian naval vessels for a week-long set of military exercises off Cape Town.This move could further strain Pretoria’s already tense relationship with Washington.The corvette Stoikiy, flying the Russian flag, pulled into False Bay near Simon’s Town, South Africa’s main naval base, on Friday. It was part of the China-led “Will for Peace 2026” drills.Earlier this wee…
Off the South African coast is a joint naval exercise of the BRICS plus states China, Russia and Iran.
China, Russia, Iran start 'BRICS Plus' naval exercises in South African waters
China, Russia and Iran began a week of joint naval exercises in South Africa's waters on Saturday in what the host country described as a BRICS Plus operation to "ensure the safety of shipping and maritime economic activities".
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 49% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
