China, Russia, and Iran have launched joint naval military exercises within the territorial waters of South Africa.
South African authorities stated that these drills are a specialized BRICS Plus initiative aimed at bolstering maritime security and safeguarding oceanic economic activities. Although the military maneuvers are being spearheaded by the three core nations, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Egypt are also participating in the exercise in an observer capacity.
BRICS Plus refers to the expanded alliance of the original BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—along with newly joined members and partner nations. The expanded membership includes Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
While South Africa has a history of conducting naval exercises with China and Russia, the current maneuvers are taking place at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions between the United States and several BRICS Plus members, including China, Iran, South Africa, and Brazil.
U.S. President Donald Trump has accused the BRICS nations of advancing policies detrimental to American interests. Last January, Trump warned of imposing an additional 10% tariff on goods imported from BRICS countries, over and above the duties levied on other nations.
