South Africa's joint military exercises with China, Iran, and Russia… a new test for strained relations with the US
South Africa's strained ties with US face new test - war games with China, Iran and Russia
- 2026.1.10 (BBC)
A joint naval exercise hosted by South Africa and involving warships from China, Iran, and Russia is likely to further strain already deteriorated relations with the United States. It is reported that South Africa is attempting to persuade Iran to remain as an 'observer (observing nation)' rather than an active participant, particularly mindful of US President Donald Trump's reaction.
Recently, warships from these three countries entered the Simonstown naval base on the Cape Peninsula, and the exercise is being led by China and is ongoing for a week. BRICS alliance countries are participating in this exercise, which is an emerging market cooperation body composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Recently, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) newly joined, expanding it to 'BRICS Plus (BRICS+)', and the goal of this consultative body is to challenge the political and economic influence of Western developed countries.
