(Johannesburg) The South African army was preparing on Friday off its coast in the Indian Ocean for controversial naval exercises with Russia and China, which are causing “concern” on the international scene in the context of the war in Ukraine.
“The Russian frigate has arrived in Durban. The Chinese boat will arrive later. We are in the preparation phase, the main maneuver will take place on February 22,” a military source told AFP.
South Africa last month announced joint exercises with the Russian and Chinese navies “with the aim of sharing operational skills and knowledge”.
Operations involving more than 350 South African soldiers are to continue until February 27 off Durban, the largest port in southern Africa, and Richards Bay some 180 km further north.
South Africa has taken a neutral stance since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began nearly a year ago, refusing to join Western calls to condemn Moscow.
The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, on a visit to Pretoria last month, spoke of “irritating things” about relations between South Africa and Russia.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre, when asked about these joint military maneuvers, expressed “the concern of the United States”.
The South African Foreign Minister, Naledi Pandor, for her part declared after a meeting with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, visiting Pretoria in January, that “all countries carry out military exercises with their friends “.
The Association of Ukrainians in South Africa called for demonstrations on Friday in Cape Town and on Saturday in Durban. “It is regrettable that South Africa is entering Russian propaganda and choosing to participate in joint naval training,” condemned the organization on Twitter.
The Russian military frigate “Admiral Gorshkov” docked in Cape Town on Monday, on the way to Durban.
“This boat will sail towards the Black Sea and participate in the invasion of Ukraine”, commented Kobus Marais, of the first opposition party (DA, Democratic Alliance), warning of the risk for South Africa. South to be considered an “accomplice in war crimes”.