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8h ago

Russian Warship Joins China-Led Naval Drill Off South Africa

The China-led drill is set to test Pretoria's non-aligned stance under close U.S. scrutiny.

A view of the Chinese destroyer CNS Tangshan, front, the Iranian naval ship IRIS Makran 441, center, and the Chinese supply ship CNS Taihu, back, in the Simon's Town harbor near Cape Town in South Africa on January 8, 2026.
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China will lead the "Will For Peace 2026" navy exercise involving the 11-nation BRICS alliance
A Russian corvette moors at Simon's Town harbour ahead of Chinese-led naval exercises involving Russia, Iran and South Africa

Overview

  • Exercise Will for Peace 2026 runs January 9–16 in South African waters under a China-led BRICS-Plus banner focused on safeguarding shipping and maritime economic activity.
  • AFP reporters observed a Russian corvette arrive near Simon’s Town as Chinese ships CNS Tangshan and CNS Taihu and Iran’s IRIS Makran were already in harbor.
  • South African defense authorities say the drill begins with a headquarters phase before a joint sortie at sea to practice maritime safety, interoperability and protective operations.
  • The South African National Defence Force has not disclosed a full participant list or ship counts, with further details promised in upcoming briefings.
  • Officials and analysts say the maneuver could further strain ties with Washington, while domestic critics in the Democratic Alliance argue hosting Russia and Iran undermines South Africa’s claimed non-alignment.