China, Russia, and Iran Launch 'BRICS+’ Joint Naval Exercise in South African Waters

China, Russia, and Iran launched a week-long joint naval exercise in South African waters on Saturday (January 10). The host country South Africa stated that this exercise is part of the “BRICS+” initiative, aimed at “ensuring the safety of shipping and maritime economic activities.”

According to Reuters, “BRICS+” is an expansion of the original geopolitical group consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group is seen by its member states as a counterbalance to the economic dominance of the U.S. and Western countries, and has already admitted six other countries.

Although South Africa regularly holds joint naval exercises with China and Russia, this exercise comes at a time when the Trump administration’s relationship with several “BRICS+” member countries, including China, Iran, South Africa, and Brazil, is becoming increasingly strained.

The expanded BRICS bloc also includes Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.

A Chinese military official presiding over the opening ceremony stated that Brazil, Egypt, and Ethiopia are participating as observers.
The South African military said in a statement: “The ‘Peace Will 2026’ exercise brings together navies from BRICS+ countries to carry out joint maritime security operations and interoperability drills.”
Trump has accused BRICS countries of pursuing “anti-American” policies and last January threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on all member nations, on top of the tariffs already imposed on numerous countries around the world.