Source: U.S. News & World Report | Original Published At: 2026-01-10 08:37:00 UTC
Key Points
- China, Russia, and Iran initiated week-long naval exercises in South African waters under the BRICS Plus framework.
- The expanded BRICS Plus group now includes Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and UAE, with Brazil, Egypt, and Ethiopia participating as observers.
- South Africa described the drills as aimed at ensuring shipping safety and improving naval interoperability.
- The exercises occur amid heightened U.S. tensions with several BRICS Plus nations, including Trump's previous tariff threats.
- South African military denied political motives, emphasizing capability-building and information-sharing.