Cape Town, January 20, 2026 (Agencies) – A joint maritime exercise involving BRICS member states, including China, Russia and South Africa, has concluded in waters off South Africa, featuring complex drills such as the armed rescue of a hijacked commercial vessel, Chinese state media reported on Sunday.
The exercise, titled Will for Peace 2026, wrapped up on Friday after several days of coordinated naval and air operations, according to the military channel of China Central Television. The drills were conducted in both South African waters and airspace, aiming to enhance maritime security cooperation among participating nations.
CCTV reported that the exercise was conducted in two phases. The harbor phase ran from January 9 to 12 and included an opening ceremony, ship visits, cultural and sports exchanges, as well as professional and technical interactions among the participating navies. This was followed by the sea phase from Tuesday to Thursday, which involved live-force drills.
During the sea phase, naval vessels from China and other participating countries carried out a range of operational activities, including communication drills, formation maneuvers and helicopter-based evacuation of wounded personnel. A key highlight of the exercise was a simulated armed rescue operation targeting a hijacked commercial vessel.
In this scenario, a Chinese naval special forces unit led the rescue mission alongside units from South Africa and Russia. The assault teams coordinated closely, covering one another as they secured critical sections of the vessel, including the bridge, and successfully rescued simulated hostages.
Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that such exercises significantly enhance participating countries’ ability to safeguard maritime security and protect international shipping lanes. He noted that ensuring the safety and smooth flow of maritime trade routes is a shared responsibility of the international community.
According to China Military Bugle, an official outlet of the PLA News Media Center, the Chinese contingent included the PLA Navy guided missile destroyer Tangshan, the comprehensive replenishment ship Taihu, a shipborne helicopter and dozens of special forces personnel. These assets operated alongside naval forces from other BRICS members, including Russia and South Africa.
The report said the exercise was conducted as a full-element, multi-subject and high-intensity maritime drill under the theme of joint action to protect key shipping lanes and economic activities, and was intended to contribute positively to regional peace, stability and maritime cooperation.