Chris Hattingh

Stories

BRICS+ naval exercise exposes fault lines in non-aligned bloc

Leading parliamentary opposition to the exercise

Chinese destroyers, Russian corvettes, and Iranian warships sailed into Simon's Town on January 9 for a week-long joint exercise led by China. Russia and Iran, both heavily sanctioned and fighting active wars, sent forces, while India and Brazil stayed away despite the BRICS branding.

Updated May 19

Notable Quotes

"These are sanctioned states involved in active conflicts and serious human rights abuses. Allowing them to conduct military exercises in South African waters sends a clear political signal, whether government admits it or not."

from BRICS+ naval exercise exposes fault lines in non-aligned bloc · Updated May 19

"The participation of Iran and Russia make it increasingly difficult for the government to maintain that South Africa is genuinely pursuing a policy of non-alignment."

from BRICS+ naval exercise exposes fault lines in non-aligned bloc · Updated May 19

"These exercises contradict our stated neutrality and risk turning the country into a pawn in the power games being waged by rogue states." — Response to Will for Peace 2026, January 10

from BRICS+ naval exercise exposes fault lines in non-aligned bloc · Updated May 19