By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@APPhoto.
The Department of Defence has asked China to postpone a joint military exercise, to avoid logistical clashes with the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg.
The upcoming naval exercise is set to coincide with the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which will take place on 22 and 23 November 2025.
“In consultation with the Presidency and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Department of Defence is engaging its counterparts in the People’s Republic of China on a postponement of the exercise to a mutually suitable date.
“This is to ensure that the exercises do not impact the logistical, security and other arrangements associated with South Africa’s G20 Presidency, “the statement read.
The department said this is the third iteration of the exercise, which takes place every two years between these BRICS partners, with China as the host for this year’s exercise.
The department believes that South Africa’s participation in military exercises of this nature with various countries is part of the furtherance of sound multilateral and bilateral relations.
“As it has in the past, South Africa continues to hold joint military exercises with a broad range of countries. In the last few years, the SANDF [South African National Defence Force] has conducted joint and multinational military exercises with countries such as Brazil, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States.”
A naval exercise is a military drill intended to evaluate tactics, enhance interoperability, and foster cooperation among navies.
These exercises typically incorporate both simulations and real-world scenarios, including tactical manoeuvres, search and rescue operations, and anti-piracy drills.
South Africa’s previous naval exercises with China and Russia have strained its relations with Western nations, including the U.S. It hosted Chinese and Russian warships in early 2023.