Controversial BRICS+ Military Exercises Held in South Africa

Source: Le Monde.fr | Original Published At: 2026-01-12 09:03:04 UTC

Key Points

• First-ever BRICS+ military exercises ('Will for Peace 2026') conducted in South Africa with participation from China, Russia, Iran, UAE, and South Africa.
• Exercises organized under China's initiative demonstrate expanded BRICS cooperation beyond traditional economic focus.
• BRICS+ framework now includes Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Ethiopia, and Indonesia since 2023 expansion.
• Drills signal geopolitical alignment among non-Western powers amid tensions with the United States.
• South African military clarified China's role as lead organizer of the exercises.