Chinese and Iranian warships dock in South Africa ahead of exercises

Two Chinese warships and one Iranian vessel were seen off Cape Town ahead of a January 9–16 naval exercise hosted by South Africa, which officials said would involve BRICS navies and expected Russian participation.

Two Chinese warships and one Iranian vessel were docked off Cape Town's main naval base, AFP journalists reported. South African officials said the ships were arriving for a January 9–16 exercise hosted by South Africa. The defence force announced the drill would involve navies from BRICS countries and that Russian warships were expected to take part. Reported facts: - Two Chinese ships and one Iranian vessel were observed in False Bay near Cape Town. - The exercise is scheduled for January 9–16 and is hosted by South Africa. - South Africa's defence force described the drill as focused on the safety of shipping and maritime economic activities. - Officials said the manoeuvres would involve BRICS navies and that Russian ships were expected to join. Summary: The deployment has been reported to raise diplomatic tensions given the countries involved. The naval exercises are scheduled for January 9–16 and further developments are undetermined at this time.