China to lead joint naval drills with BRICS nations in South African waters
Countries
Source: South China Morning Post | Original Published At: 2026-01-03 06:00:22 UTC
Key Points
- South Africa announced 'Will for Peace 2026' naval drills from January 9-16, 2026, marking BRICS' first defense cooperation initiative.
- China will lead the exercise involving BRICS Plus countries, with reported participation from Russia, Iran, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.
- The drills focus on maritime safety operations, interoperability training, and maritime protection activities.
- Brics expanded in 2023 to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and UAE, increasing its geopolitical footprint.