Follow CGSP on Social Media

Listen to the CGSP Podcast

What’s the Strategy Behind South Africa’s Joint Naval Exercises With China and Russia?

The Russian frigate "Admiral Gorshkov" docked at the port in Richards Bay on February 22, 2023. Guillem SARTORIO / AFP

South Africa’s joint naval exercises with China and Russia are drawing sharp criticism domestically and from Western allies. Beyond questions about the symbolism of its timing – overlapping with the one-year anniversary of the Ukraine invasion – many are baffled as to why SA is participating at all.

The ten days of exercises, dubbed Operation Mosi II, will include anti-piracy exercises and simulated aerial attacks on ships. A Russian frigate and supply ship, and a Chinese frigate, destroyer and supply vessel will be joined by a single South African frigate.

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.