China, Russia, and Iran Begin BRICS Plus Naval Exercises

Source: Левый берег | Original Published At: 2026-01-10 10:45:00 UTC

Key Points

• China, Russia, and Iran launched week-long joint naval exercises under the BRICS Plus framework in South African waters.
• The exercises aim to enhance maritime security and economic cooperation, with Brazil, Egypt, and Ethiopia participating as observers.
• BRICS Plus expands the original bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) to include Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and UAE.
• The drills occur amid heightened tensions between BRICS Plus countries and the US administration under President Trump.
• South African military officials denied political motivations, while opposition groups criticized the exercises as undermining neutrality.