South Africa hosts BRICS naval exercises with China, Iran, and expected Russian participation

Source: infobae | Original Published At: 2026-01-08 23:49:05 UTC

Key Points

• Chinese and Iranian warships arrived in Cape Town for multilateral naval exercises under BRICS framework, with Russian participation anticipated.
• Exercises (Jan 9-16) aim to strengthen maritime security cooperation among BRICS nations, including expanded members like Iran.
• U.S. criticizes BRICS as 'anti-American' while South African opposition party accuses government of lacking parliamentary transparency.
• Exercises previously delayed due to G20 summit now place Pretoria at center of international defense policy debates.
• Follows 2023 controversy over South Africa hosting joint drills with Russia and China during Ukraine invasion anniversary.