South Africa’s pristine coastline has become a stage for multinational naval might as China, Russia, and Iran anchor their warships for the ambitious ‘Will for Peace 2026’ exercises. Kicking off Saturday under Chinese leadership, this BRICS Plus initiative at Simon’s Town naval base promises to fortify defenses for international shipping and economic corridors through rigorous joint training.
The expanded BRICS framework now encompasses original members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, alongside newcomers Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and the UAE. Drills continue through January 16, emphasizing interoperability in maritime security ops.
Timing couldn’t be more charged. With Donald Trump’s combative stance targeting BRICS as ‘anti-U.S.,’ including tariff threats, relations with key players like China, Iran, and host South Africa are strained. Yet, South African Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Mathebula insists neutrality: ‘This is a naval exercise to build capabilities and share knowledge—no politics involved.’ He highlighted past U.S. Navy collaborations.
Brazil, Egypt, and Ethiopia joined as observers at the launch. The South African military’s statement hailed it as a platform uniting BRICS Plus navies for safety operations and drills.
Spotlighting the hardware: China’s destroyer CNS Tangshan (122) and oiler CNS Taihu (889), Iran’s massive Iris Makran (441), and local frigate SAS Amatola (F145) docked prominently. Official photos documented their formidable lineup.
Domestic pushback from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s coalition allies labels the event a breach of South Africa’s neutral stance, turning the country into a geopolitical chess piece. Mathebula rebutted sharply, refocusing on professional gains.
These maneuvers reflect BRICS Plus’s pushback against Western economic hegemony, prioritizing sea route security amid rising global frictions. As exercises unfold, they spotlight shifting power dynamics, where alliances like this could redefine maritime governance for years ahead.
