China, Iran and Russia led week-long naval exercises in South African waters that Pretoria described as a response to rising maritime tensions. The drills, which included other BRICS+ members, drew criticism at home, with a governing-coalition party saying they contradict South Africa's stated neutrality. The deployments highlight Pretoria's diplomatic balancing act between easing tensions with Washington over trade and its stance on legal action related to the Gaza war, while preserving deep economic ties with Beijing.
BRICS+ Holds Major Naval Drills Off South Africa as Pretoria Walks Diplomatic Tightrope
A chart comparing US and BRICS+ annual military spending.
China, Iran and Russia led a week-long series of naval exercises in South African waters over the weekend, an operation Pretoria said was intended as a response to rising maritime tensions.
The drills involved other BRICS+ members and included a range of maritime manoeuvres and coordinated operations. Some U.S. political figures — including former President Donald Trump — have previously accused some BRICS+ participants of pursuing "anti-American" policies, a label that has added to the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding the deployment.
One party within South Africa's governing coalition publicly criticised the exercises, saying they "contradict [the country's] stated neutrality."
Domestically, the deployments prompted sharp debate. Critics argued the presence of foreign warships undermines South Africa's non-aligned posture, while supporters said the exercises were justified by legitimate security concerns at sea.
Balancing Between Washington And Beijing
The exercises underscore the delicate balancing act Pretoria is attempting on the global stage. South Africa is seeking to ease tensions with Washington over trade and political disputes — including its support for international legal actions against Israel in relation to the Gaza war — while maintaining close economic and diplomatic ties with Beijing, its largest trading partner.
Observers say the drills could complicate Pretoria's relations with Western capitals, even as they strengthen military and diplomatic links with other BRICS+ members. South African officials have so far framed the operations as defensive and aimed at ensuring maritime security, and have called for continued diplomatic engagement to avoid escalation.
Outlook: The exercises are likely to remain a focal point of domestic debate and international diplomacy in the coming weeks, as South Africa manages competing strategic relationships and scrutiny over its foreign-policy stance.
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