South Africa Announces Joint Navy Drills With China and Russia

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.

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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.”