Joint naval exercises involving South Africa, China, Russia, and Iran have commenced near South Africa's coast. The drills, named 'Will for Peace', mark the third iteration of such exercises hosted by South Africa and are occurring amidst a complex international geopolitical landscape and domestic scrutiny. The week-long maneuvers aim to enhance maritime security and cooperation among participating nations.
Overview of the Drills
The 'Will for Peace' naval exercises began recently, with some reports indicating a Friday start and others a Saturday start, near Simon's Town, South Africa, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean. China is leading the drills, which include destroyer-class vessels from China and Iran, corvette-class vessels from Russia and the United Arab Emirates, and a mid-sized frigate from South Africa.
Key Objectives of the Exercises include:
- Safeguarding vital shipping lanes and maritime economic activities.
- Enhancing operational procedures and improving joint operational capabilities.
- Deepening cooperation for peaceful maritime security.
- Conducting rescue operations and maritime strike simulations.
- Facilitating technical exchanges and "counter-terrorism" rescues.
Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, and Ethiopia are participating in the drills as observers. Notably, India and Brazil, two founding BRICS members, are not actively participating in the naval maneuvers.
Geopolitical Context
These exercises are taking place amid rising global maritime tensions and strained relations between South Africa and the United States. The BRICS bloc, which originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The expanded BRICS+ alliance aims to challenge the political and economic influence of Western nations.
Recent events contributing to the geopolitical backdrop include the United States' seizure of a Venezuela-linked Russian oil tanker in the North Atlantic, citing violations of Western sanctions. Former US President Donald Trump has previously accused some BRICS members of pursuing "anti-American" policies, criticized Iran, and imposed tariffs on India, alleging its funding of Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. BRICS leaders have, in a joint statement, expressed concern over a "rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures" and condemned military strikes on Iran without directly naming the United States.
International Reactions and Criticisms
United States: The United States has expressed criticism regarding Iran's participation in the drills. The US embassy in South Africa conveyed "concern and alarm" over reports alleging that South Africa's defence ministry disregarded government directives to request Iran's departure. The embassy stated that Iran's involvement "undermined maritime security and regional stability" and was "unconscionable" given its domestic human rights situation.
South Africa's Response to US Allegations: South Africa's defence ministry announced an inquiry into these "serious allegations." The office of Defence Minister Angie Motshekga stated that President Cyril Ramaphosa's instructions regarding the drills had been "clearly communicated to all parties concerned, agreed upon and to be implemented and adhered to as such."
India and Brazil: Both nations opted out of active participation. Brazil is an observer, while India is not involved. India's decision is reportedly influenced by its efforts to balance ties with the United States, particularly amidst potential changes in US leadership. Geopolitical analysts suggested that India might prefer not to be associated with BRICS military exercises, seeing the bloc's primary mandate as economic.
South African Perspectives and Justifications
South African officials have provided justifications for hosting the exercises:
- Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa stated that the exercises were planned long in advance, advised against "panic buttons," and clarified that the nations involved are not South Africa's enemies. He also noted the drills provide valuable training and boost the morale of the country's defense forces.
- Captain Nndwakhulu Thomas Thamaha, South Africa's joint task force commander, described the drills as representing more than a military exercise, signifying an intent among BRICS nations and a collective commitment to cooperation in a complex maritime environment.
- The South African Department of Defence affirmed that the exercise reflects a collective commitment from participating navies to safeguard maritime trade routes and enhance operational procedures.
- Defence analysts suggested that years of underfunding have diminished South Africa's defense capabilities, making opportunities to exercise with any willing country valuable for training.
- Political analysts highlighted the universally beneficial objectives of enhancing maritime safety, combating piracy, and creating a secure maritime environment.
Historical Precedent and Domestic Criticism
This is the third time South Africa has hosted joint naval exercises with China and Russia. Previous drills, known as "Exercise Mosi," took place in November 2019 and February 2023. The 2023 exercise drew criticism from Western nations due to its timing, coinciding with the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Domestically, South Africa's decision to host the current drills has faced criticism. The Democratic Alliance (DA), a coalition partner in South Africa's government, expressed opposition, characterizing the drills as undermining South Africa's non-aligned foreign policy stance. The DA also suggested that the exercises align South Africa with "sanctioned states" and position the country as a participant in power dynamics driven by other states.
Economic Implications
The exercises are anticipated to further strain South Africa-US relations, which have deteriorated over various issues, including US-imposed tariffs on South African goods and South Africa's decision to bring a genocide case against Israel before the International Court of Justice.
Economically, South Africa's economy is significantly reliant on the US market. US companies in South Africa reportedly support over 500,000 jobs. The central bank has previously warned that new US tariffs could lead to approximately 100,000 job losses in sectors like agriculture and automotive. Some commentators have warned that South Africa risks economic pressure if its foreign policy does not adopt a more pragmatic approach towards the US.