South Africa risks US ire by staging naval exercises with China and Russia

In this handout photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on December 22, 2022, Chinese warships take part in joint naval drills with Russia in the East China Sea. AP

In a controversial move that has strained its relationships with the EU and the US, South Africa will host naval exercises off its eastern coast with Chinese and Russian ships. The exercises coincide with the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The South Africa National Defence Force (Sandf) confirmed on 19 January that South Africa will host the navies of China and Russia during a "multilateral maritime exercise" over the period 17 to 27 February.