Cape Town, South Africa — South African waters are hosting the Chinese-led naval drill “Will for Peace 2026” from 9 to 16 January, with warships from China, Iran and at least one other BRICS-Plus nation already berthed at Simon’s Town, according to official statements released this week.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed the exercise, describing it as a joint, inter-agency mission focused on protecting maritime trade routes and deepening cooperation on peaceful maritime security. Local sources report that the destroyer Tangshan and other foreign vessels began arriving on 7 January, turning the naval base into a temporary hub for multilateral activity.
Official statements indicate the timing and participants mirror the 2023 MOSI II exercise that paired South Africa with Russia and China, a move that drew strong disapproval from United States lawmakers and triggered talk of reviewing South Africa’s access to preferential trade arrangements.
While Pretoria maintains its military engagements are non — aligned, independent observers say the renewed presence of Iranian and Chinese hulls in Cape Town is likely to resurrect similar diplomatic friction. Regional officials confirmed that BRICS-Plus, the expanded grouping that admitted Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates in 2024, is using the drill to signal closer maritime coordination among Global South states.
News24 quotes military analysts who frame the event as defensive and routine, yet Daily Maverick notes that opposition figures warn any perception of siding with Washington-sanctioned powers could place South Africa’s AGOA benefits at risk.
The government has not disclosed the full list of participating vessels, and it remains unclear whether Russian or additional BRICS — Plus ships will join later in the week. Further details are expected once the exercise moves to its active phase in the Atlantic waters off the Western Cape.
Source: Africa.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
