South Africa in naval drills with Russia and China; Argentina waiting to join the bloc

[Celerity]

South Africa confirmed plans to conduct joint naval drills with BRICS associates navies, Russia and China off its coast this month, from 17/27 February, next to the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

https://en.mercopress.com/2023/02/01/south-africa-in-naval-drills-with-brics-associates-russia-and-china-argentina-waiting-to-join-the-block

The exercises are expected to bring more focus on the strengthening relationships between the Asian countries with South Africa, the leading voice on the African continent and one of several African countries that abstained in a United Nations vote last year deploring Russia’s invasion.

The multinational naval exercise, called “Operation Mosi,” which means smoke in Tswana — one of 11 official languages in South Africa – will be held during the last two weeks of February, off South Africa’s east coast near the cities of Durban and Richards Bay.

The South African government had refused to condemn Russia’s aggression in Ukraine last year, saying it has a neutral stance over Ukraine and calling for dialogue and diplomacy. However, the upcoming naval drills have led the main opposition party to blame government for siding with Russia.

“This gives the impression of not being neutral but being biased to one side. It can alienate us from other important trade partners, the West,” said Kobus Marais, the shadow defense minister for the Democratic Alliance. “This is in the best interests of Russia,” Marais said, calling it “another bad judgment, an embarrassment.” Notably, the announcement of naval drills came ahead of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to South Africa to hold talks with his counterpart Naledi Pandor, who vigorously defended the country's decision to join Russia and China in exercises.

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related

Lavrov visit to South Africa: Pandor defends joint Russia-China military exercise

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-64373448



South Africa has defended its decision to hold a joint military exercise with Russia and China next month.

Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor condemned the "double-standard" which says some countries can perform such exercises but others are not. "All countries conduct military exercises with friends worldwide," Dr Pandor added.

The comments came at a press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Pretoria. The event attracted a small group of protesters outside the venue, waiving Ukrainian flags.

Dr Pandor went on to slam the suggestion that South Africa cannot conduct the military exercises it wants to as an "abuse of international practice". "This is just a natural set of exercises that occur between countries," she said.

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[Irish_Dem]

1. Everyone knows China has had its military in Africa for decades.

The US doesn't care.

While the US snoozes, China got Africa.

[sarisataka]

2. I am in the Twilight Zone nt

[Celerity]

3. China is one thing, but Pandor's pandering to Russia is another, she is a typical stooge shill