South Africa has formally requested China to postpone joint naval exercises with Russia, originally scheduled for late November 2025, to avoid logistical and security issues during the G20 summit in Johannesburg on November 22-23. The South African Department of Defense highlighted that this postponement is crucial for the seamless execution of the summit.
These naval exercises are part of a biennial military cooperation among BRICS nations. However, the situation is complicated by potential participation from U.S. President Donald Trump, who received an invitation from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa after a tense meeting in Washington. Trump expressed hesitance regarding his attendance, citing disagreements with South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies, including land redistribution issues and its stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The G20 summit will feature leaders from major economies, with China’s President Xi Jinping confirmed to attend. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to be absent due to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court related to the Ukraine war, a situation South Africa, as a signatory to the court’s statutes, could be compelled to act upon.
South Africa’s previous collaborations with China and Russia have strained its relationships with Western nations, particularly the U.S., following naval exercises with both countries in early 2023, which drew criticism. As the G20 summit approaches, South Africa is attempting to navigate its international relationships carefully while ensuring that the event proceeds without complications. The outcome of negotiations with China over the naval exercises remains uncertain, reflecting the delicate balance South Africa must maintain.
Leave a comment