South Africa's strained ties with US face new test - war games with China, Iran and Russia

South Africa is set to engage in naval exercises with China, Iran, and Russia, which could further strain its ties with the United States. The war games, scheduled for February 2023, have raised concerns as they come at a time when relations between South Africa and the US under former President Donald Trump were already strained. The joint military drills, dubbed "Operation Mosi," are set to take place off the coast of South Africa and are intended to enhance cooperation and interoperability among the participating countries. However, the decision to include China, Iran, and Russia, all of which have strained relationships with the US, has drawn criticism from Washington. The US has expressed concerns over South Africa's perceived neutrality in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the upcoming military exercises are likely to exacerbate these tensions. The situation poses a delicate diplomatic challenge for South Africa as it navigates its relationships with both the US and its strategic partners.