China, Russia, Iran Start ‘BRICS Plus’ Naval Exercises in South African Waters

Source: Republic World | Original Published At: 2026-01-10 12:39:26 UTC

Key Points

• China, Russia, Iran, and South Africa launched week-long naval exercises under the BRICS Plus framework to ensure maritime safety and economic activities.
• The expanded BRICS Plus group now includes six additional countries, with Brazil, Egypt, and Ethiopia participating as observers.
• South African military officials emphasized the non-political nature of the exercises despite U.S. tensions with several BRICS Plus members.
• The Democratic Alliance opposition party criticized the drills as contradicting South Africa's neutrality, but military spokespersons denied any anti-American intent.
• The exercises follow heightened geopolitical tensions between the Trump administration and BRICS Plus countries over trade policies and tariffs.