Chinese, Iranian Warships in South Africa for Exercises

People on Kalk Bay fishing harbour as the Chinese guided-missile destroyer Tangshan (Hull 122) is moored in False Bay, close to Simon's Town, near Cape Town, on January 6, 2026. The Chinese lead Will For Peace 2026 exercise 2026 brings together navies from BRICS Plus countries for joint maritime safety operations. Photo / RODGER BOSCH / AFP
People on Kalk Bay fishing harbour as the Chinese guided-missile destroyer Tangshan (Hull 122) is moored in False Bay, close to Simon's Town, near Cape Town, on January 6, 2026. The Chinese lead Will For Peace 2026 exercise 2026 brings together navies from BRICS Plus countries for joint maritime safety operations. Photo / RODGER BOSCH / AFP

Chinese and Iranian warships were docked off South Africa’s main navy base Thursday ahead of exercises that officials said were also meant to involve Russia.

The January 9-16 “Will for Peace” drill hosted by South Africa risks further straining its ties with the United States, which is in dispute with many of the countries taking part.

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by Agence France-Presse

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