Russia, China, and South Africa will start joint military exercises on the 22nd, and it is believed that Russia is also aiming to appeal its unity with friendly countries as Russia deepens its conflict with Europe and the United States over its invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on the 22nd that joint naval exercises with China and South Africa have started in South Africa.



From the Russian military, a frigate equipped with the sea-launched hypersonic missile "Zircon", which was just deployed last month, will also participate in exercises in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Durban from the 25th to the 27th.



"Zircon" can also carry a nuclear warhead, and it is considered to be an extremely difficult missile to intercept because it flies irregularly at nine times the speed of sound.



As Russia deepens its confrontation with Europe and the United States, it attaches importance to the BRICS (Five Emerging Countries) framework, which includes China, South Africa, Brazil, and India.



Joint exercises with China and South Africa will be held one year after the military invasion of Ukraine to show off military power and appeal to the unity with friendly countries.



On the other hand, South Africa has so far taken a neutral stance on Russia's aggression against Ukraine, but opposition parties have criticized that ``by conducting military drills, the government has made its pro-Russian stance clear.'' I'm here.

What are your thoughts on South Africa?

Criticism erupts from home and abroad

The US government has expressed concern about South Africa conducting military exercises with Russia and China one year after Russia's military invasion, and criticism has erupted from within the country, mainly from the largest opposition party.



South African researcher Dr. Leeza Janeberg, who specializes in African diplomacy and international relations, points out that this could affect relations with Western countries.



According to Dr. Janeberg, the current South African government tends to be sympathetic to Russia because of its history of receiving generous support from the Soviet Union when it was campaigning for the abolition of apartheid. .



In addition, it seems that there is also a speculation to show the presence as a country representing Africa by showing a stance that does not align with the West.



However, the impact of conducting military exercises with Russia and China at this time would be strong. doing.