China leads naval drills off South African coast featuring Russia and Iran

South Africa is hosting a major international naval exercise this week, bringing together vessels from China, Russia and Iran.

The exercise, formerly known as Exercise MOSI III, has been renamed Will for Peace, with China taking the lead.

According to the South African National Defence Force, the drills aim to improve maritime safety, joint operational procedures and the protection of key shipping routes.

"It's very important for navies from various countries to not just rely on themselves but to learn from others, exchange ideas, particularly when on the high seas, and they need to assist each other," says defence expert Dean Wingrin.

Wingrin says they will likely carry out standard exercises, concentrating on the different vessels communicating with each other. It's likely to also include a PASSEX, a passing exercise of how to sail in formation.

The exercise comes at a time when South Africa's navy is not in a good place, says Wingrin.

"It's certainly not where it should be, and that is the benefit of these navies coming to South Africa. At the moment, South Africa cannot undertake these long endurance exercises."

Critics question what the participation of countries such as China, Russia and Iran means for South Africa’s diplomatic positioning.

"The idea of exercising with foreign nations is not really an issue. The controversy is with whom we are exercising. Russia has already stated it is at war with Europe, with America, with NATO."

Taken together, Wingrin says these positions do not look good for South Africa politically.

"It doesn't look good for South Africa to be shouting out, look who our friends are."

To listen to Wingrin in conversation with CapeTalk's Amy MacIver, use the audio player below: