South Africa Announces , Joint Navy Drills With , China and Russia.
On January 19, South African armed forces
announced that Russian and Chinese Navies will
participate in “a multinational maritime exercise.”.
The massive military drills
will take place from February 17
to February 27 off South Africa's east coast. .
ABC News reports that the announcement
signifies strengthening relationships between
China, Russia and Africa's most developed nation.
The news also comes amid
global financial uncertainty and
Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
ABC News reports that the drills will take place
almost one year after Russia launched
its invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
The news also comes just days before Russian Foreign
Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to hold talks
with his South African counterpart, Naledi Pandor.
The news also comes just days before Russian Foreign
Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to hold talks
with his South African counterpart, Naledi Pandor.
Last year, the South African government
announced a neutral stance over Ukraine
while calling for dialogue and diplomacy.
However, ABC News reports that the upcoming military
drills have given rise to accusations that the
government has officially sided with Russia.
According to the South African National
Defense Force, the upcoming naval exercises will , “strengthen the already flourishing relations
between South Africa, Russia and China.”