Name: Chinese, Iranian warships arrive in South Africa for BRICS exercises
Uploaded: 2026-01-08T16:39:46.924Z
Duration: 44 s
Description: China will lead a joint military drill hosted by South Africa. Russian ships are also expected to join the exercises.

China will lead a joint military drill hosted by South Africa. Russian ships are also expected to join the exercises.

Cape Town

Chinese and Iranian warships have arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, to take part in a joint military drill named Will for Peace 2026. The exercise, led by China and hosted by South Africa, will also involve Russian ships and is scheduled to last a week. 

According to South Africa's Department of Defence, the drill is intended to demonstrate the participating nations' commitment to safeguarding maritime trade routes and deepening cooperation for peaceful maritime security. However, the initiative may further strain relations between South Africa and the United States, following months of increasing tensions.

Chinese, Iranian warships arrive in South Africa for BRICS exercises

War ships from China and Iran have arrived in Cape Town ahead of a joint military drill hosted by South Africa. Named Will for Peace 2026, the drill brings together key nations from the BRICS Plus group. Russian ships are also expected to reach Cape Town. China will lead the week-long naval exercise starting Friday. South Africa's Department of Defence said the drill will showcase the participants' commitment to safeguard maritime trade routes and deepen cooperation in support of peaceful maritime security. But the initiative also risks further straining relations between South Africa and the United States after months of growing tensions between the two countries.

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