Waters off Simon’s Town are hosting Exercise Will for Peace 2026, a large multinational naval drill taking place from 9 to 16 January. The exercise is led by the People’s Republic of China and involves naval forces from BRICS Plus countries.
The South African Navy is participating alongside warships from China, Russia, and Iran. The programme focuses on joint maritime operations, safety drills, and coordinated protection missions.
Defence officials say the agreed theme of the exercise is “Joint Actions to Ensure the Safety of Shipping and Maritime Economic Activities”. The stated objectives include testing operational readiness, improving interoperability between participating navies, and protecting international shipping routes and maritime trade.
Concerns raised over political implications
The exercise has attracted criticism from Chris Hattingh, MP and DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans. He warned that the participation of China, Russia, and Iran raises serious political and diplomatic concerns.
Hattingh also criticised the lack of a parliamentary briefing on the exercise, including its objectives, costs, participants, and international implications.
“This exercise is being led by China and includes participation by Russia and Iran, both heavily sanctioned and both involved in active conflicts,” Hattingh said.
“Hosting and training with such forces cannot be described as neutral or non-aligned. It is a political choice, whether the government admits it or not.”
He further questioned the drill’s framing. “Calling the exercise ‘Will for Peace’ does not change the reality. At the same time, China is conducting large-scale military exercises rehearsing a possible invasion of Taiwan. Using the language of peace to describe this kind of military alignment is misleading.”
Impact on South Africa’s non-alignment stance
Hattingh warned that South Africa’s long-standing policy of non-alignment could be undermined by hosting drills with these countries. He said this may damage South Africa’s international credibility and foreign policy standing.
As a result, the Democratic Alliance plans to request a full parliamentary briefing on Exercise Will for Peace 2026 to clarify its scope, intent, and broader implications.
