Chinese, Russian and Iranian warships have launched a week of naval drills with host South African off the coast of Cape Town as geopolitical tensions run high over the United States’ intervention in Venezuela.

The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron, comprising the ships INS Tir, Shardul, Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi, will be deployed to provide "comprehensive operational and cross-cultural exposure" to officer trainees, including six from friendly foreign nations.

China, Russia and Iran began a week of joint naval exercises in South Africa's waters on Saturday in what the host country described as a BRICS Plus operation to "ensure the safety of shipping and maritime economic activities".

As Taiwan blasts China's "highly provocative and reckless" blockade rehearsal, Trump touts his relationship with Xi Jinping and says an invasion is unlikely.

The exercise focuses on joint maritime safety operations, interoperability drills and maritime protection serials.

China bans exports of dual-use goods to Japan, escalating tensions with key U.S. ally amid growing disputes over Taiwan and broader regional security concerns.

China opened 2026 by signaling that its most advanced military capabilities are no longer reserved for occasional demonstrations. Beginning January 4, the People’s Liberation Army launched wide-ranging drills linking hypersonic missiles,

China Central Television reported that CNS Linfen, a new variant of the Type 054A frigate with a more powerful naval gun and expanded aviation facilities for helicopters, has been commissioned into service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.