In a new development for international defense relations, South Africa and China have taken concrete steps to bolster their bilateral military ties. This move is marked by the ongoing visit of South Africa’s naval chief to Beijing and the docking of a Chinese navy frigate in Cape Town.
On Monday, 20 May, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy, was warmly received by China’s Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun at the Bayi Building in Beijing. The meeting underscored the mutual commitment to enhance military cooperation, with a particular emphasis on naval collaboration—a traditional stronghold in the partnership between the two nations.
Admiral Dong Jun lauded the longstanding military rapport, highlighting the intent to intensify strategic communications, collaborative efforts, and joint endeavors to tackle emerging threats and challenges. Echoing this sentiment, Vice Admiral Lobese expressed South Africa’s aspiration to elevate the maritime cooperation to new heights, reflecting on the profound brotherhood that transcends the geographical distance separating the two countries.
Under the auspices of their respective national leaders, the China-South Africa Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has flourished, entering what is described as a ‘golden age.’ This period is characterized by burgeoning opportunities and momentum to deepen military-to-military relations.
The recent interactions also coincide with a working visit by a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) delegation to South Africa from 17 to 19 May. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has stated that the visit aimed to engage in in-depth discussions to fortify cooperation between the armed forces. Topics of mutual interest included international peacekeeping operations, maritime security, and the prospect of joint training and exercises.
The unheralded arrival of the Type 054A Frigate Chinese Navy Ship (CNS) CNS Xuchang (FFG536) in Cape Town on 16 May adds another layer to this narrative. The frigate, which is part of the 46th Naval Escort Task Force, has been instrumental in safeguarding maritime routes in the Gulf of Oman. It is anticipated that the CNS Xuchang will resume its duties in the Gulf of Oman following a standard five-day port visit in Cape Town.
This series of events is a continuation of the robust defense ties between the two nations, as evidenced by the ninth meeting of the China-South Africa Defence Committee held from 29 November to 3 December last year. The meeting further solidified the close defense ties within the BRICS framework, with reciprocal high-level visits fostering deeper military cooperation.
The military relationship between China and South Africa has deep historical roots, dating back to the era of the African National Congress’s (ANC) struggle against apartheid. China’s support during this period laid the foundation for a lasting partnership, culminating in South Africa’s formal recognition of the People’s Republic of China in January 1998.
The defense cooperation has seen a notable uptick in recent years, with increased naval visits and joint exercises, such as the multinational maritime exercise (Exercise Mosi) between China, Russia, and South Africa. The latest iteration of this exercise took place in early 2023, underscoring the strategic alignment among the three nations.
However, this trilateral cooperation has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. In August 2023, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre expressed concerns over South Africa’s military drills with Russia and China. The forthcoming MOSI exercises, scheduled to take place off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, have drawn particular attention due to the involvement of over 350 South African military personnel.
The Kremlin’s recent statement, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Russian-Chinese diplomatic relations, reaffirms the commitment to defense cooperation as a means to enhance regional and global security. This sentiment is echoed in the joint statement issued during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China, where both nations pledged to combat international terrorism and extremism, and to work towards a world free of chemical weapons.
“The parties are pleased to note that the consistent development of cooperation between the two states in the field of defense, based on a high level of mutual strategic trust, effectively strengthens regional and global security,” said the joint statement, issued following Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting.