By Micah Jonah
January 9, 2026
Naval vessels from China, Russia and Iran have entered South African waters ahead of joint maritime exercises; a move that comes amid rising global tensions following recent U.S. military actions in Venezuela and the seizure of oil tankers linked to Caracas.
The week-long drills, set to begin with a formal opening ceremony, are expected to include maritime strike simulations, rescue operations and counter-terrorism scenarios, according to official statements.
The exercises are being held near Simon’s Town, home to South Africa’s principal naval base at the junction of the Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Military officials in Pretoria said the drills are intended to improve coordination and operational readiness between participating navies, while promoting the security of major shipping routes. South African authorities declined to confirm whether additional BRICS-linked countries would take part.
The timing has drawn international attention as Washington faces criticism from Moscow and others over recent tanker seizures and its intervention in Venezuela. Russia has described the actions as breaches of international maritime norms, a claim the U.S. has rejected.
South Africa’s government has defended its decision to host the exercises, saying the planning predated current geopolitical strains. However, critics at home argue the drills risk, aligning the country more closely with states under Western sanctions, potentially complicating its diplomatic posture.
As warships manoeuvre off the Cape, analysts say the exercises underscore a shifting global balance, where naval symbolism increasingly mirrors deepening political divides.
