China, Russia, Iran start ‘BRICS Plus’ naval exercises in South African waters

Source: Reuters | Original Published At: 2026-01-10 08:38:24 UTC

Key Points

• China, Russia, and Iran began week-long naval exercises in South African waters under the BRICS Plus framework
• The 'WILL FOR PEACE 2026' exercises include observers from Brazil, Egypt, and Ethiopia, with stated goals of maritime safety and interoperability
• BRICS Plus now includes six additional countries (Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, UAE, and Iran)
• Exercises occur amid U.S. tensions with multiple BRICS Plus members over trade policies and geopolitical positioning
• South Africa denies political motives, emphasizing capability-building and information sharing