Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

Q&A: Chinese and Russian Warships are in South Africa for First-Ever Naval Exercises. Should the U.S. be Worried?

People's Liberation Army Navy 054A frigate PLA Yueyang an identical vessel as to what will be used in the upcoming naval exercise with Russian and South African forces. File photo.

Chinese and Russian warships arrived in Cape Town harbor over the weekend to take part in Exercise Mosi, the first-ever joint naval exercises among these three countries that will take place this week. The exercise will be divided into two parts: a media phase that starts today and runs through Wednesday, November 27. Then, beginning on Thursday, November 28, the ships will head out to sea for the two-day exercise, according to a press release from the South African Department of Defence.

Officially, the three navies say Exercise Mosi is designed to “enhance interoperability and maritime security“, standard objectives for these kinds of joint exercises. What isn’t being said, though, is what message all three of these countries are trying to telegraph to the United States?

Lead the Conversation on China

Subscribe Today to Get Full Access to The China-Global South Project

Check Out Everything You'll Get With Your Subscription

The China-Global South Daily Brief delivered to your inbox at 6AM Washington time

Full access to exclusive news and analysis from editors based in the Global South

Transcripts of CGSP’s twice-weekly podcasts

Students and teachers with a valid .edu email address are eligible for a 50% discount off monthly or yearly subscriptions. Email us to receive a discount code.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.