Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: South Africa’s military on Wednesday defended its decision to host naval exercises jointly carried out with China and Russia and coinciding with the 1-year anniversary of the Ukraine conflict.
The drills were originally slated to start the previous week, however, the Mosi-II exercises, kicked off on 22 February along the eastern coast of South Africa.
As the event is happening on the eve of the anniversary of Russia’s operation in Ukraine, commentators have described the drills as showing “insensitivity” and politically “dubious”.
The exercises have also been lambasted by the United States and the European Union.
Till now, South Africa has refused to condemn the invasion of Ukraine saying it prefers talks to end the war.
Speaking at a news briefing in the eastern port town of Richards Bay, chief of joint operations in the South African National Defense Force Lieutenant-General Siphiwe Sangweni said there is a difference between military and politics”.
Sangweni said that the military was “guided by government”, however, it also required to learn skills from other military forces to protect South Africa and for use in global peacekeeping operations.
He added, “Yes, there will be other countries who feel differently in how we have approached this, but… all countries are sovereign nations and have a right to handle things (as) they see fit,” he said.
Furthermore, Sangweni said that coordination and cooperation with all other militaries is one that is very important to South Africa.
Russian frigate with Zircon missile system part of naval exercises
Over 350 personnel of South Africa’s armed forces are set to take part in the exercises which end on February 27.
According to a statement by South Africa, Russia is the “lead” country in the exercises.
A Russian military frigate equipped with a powerful Zircon missile system and a Chinese destroyer will be part of the exercises.
