Chinese and Iranian warships have docked at South Africa’s main navy base in Cape Town as preparations are underway for a joint military exercise that is set to take place from January 9 to 16. This exercise, dubbed “Will for Peace,” is expected to include participation from Russian naval forces, marking a significant display of military cooperation among the three nations.
On Wednesday, two Chinese vessels were spotted in False Bay, followed by an Iranian ship that arrived the next day. South African navy officials have confirmed the expected involvement of Russian warships in the China-led maneuvers. The South African National Defence Force previously announced that the primary objectives of this exercise focus on enhancing “the safety of shipping and maritime economic activities” and deepening cooperative efforts to promote peaceful maritime security initiatives.
The drills will also involve navies from BRICS countries, a bloc that originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This group has since expanded to incorporate nations such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and more recently, Indonesia.
While the exercise was initially scheduled to take place in November 2025, it was postponed due to a scheduling conflict with the G20 summit hosted in Johannesburg.
The political ramifications of these military exercises have drawn criticism within South Africa. The Democratic Alliance (DA), which is part of the ruling coalition government, has expressed concerns over the lack of parliamentary briefing regarding the drills, specifically pointing to issues of cost, command structure, and potential diplomatic fallout. Chris Hattingh, the DA spokesperson on defense, emphasized the need for transparency in South Africa’s defense and foreign policies, asserting that such military activities should align with the nation’s stated commitment to neutrality and should not compromise its international standing.
This military alignment with China and Russia has attracted scrutiny from the United States, where critics, including former President Donald Trump, have labeled the policies of BRICS nations as “anti-American.” South Africa has faced backlash from U.S. officials for maintaining close ties with Russia, particularly in light of its decision to pursue legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The upcoming drills follow a controversial period during which South Africa’s military was already criticized for previously hosting naval exercises with Russia and China that coincided with the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The three countries first convened for joint naval drills in 2019, marking the beginning of an increasingly collaborative military relationship.
