Naval exercises involving the “BRICS Plus” group of countries have begun off the coast of Cape Town, with Russia, China, Iran and South Africa taking part, while other countries are expected to join the drills.
The exercises aim to secure maritime navigation and combat piracy, against a backdrop of rising tensions with Washington.
A Russian warship joined Chinese and Iranian vessels in South African waters last Friday as part of the drills, which are due to run for a week, until 16 January.
The BRICS group brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It later expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and most recently Indonesia, and is now known as “BRICS Plus”.
According to the South African military, which is hosting the China-led exercises under the slogan “Will for Peace” (“Volonté de paix”), the drill is based on “joint measures aimed at ensuring the security of maritime transport”. It will include training in maritime safety procedures, anti-piracy operations and enhanced cooperation.
Sifivwe Dlamini, spokesperson for South Africa’s Ministry of Defence, denied any link between the exercises and developments in Venezuela, noting that the drills had been in preparation since last year and were postponed due to the G20 summit held at the same time in Johannesburg.
What's happening in Tunisia?
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for updates.
