The New Atlanticist published on 28 February 2023 an analysis titled "What We Learned from the Russia-China-South Africa Military Drills" by Atlantic Council experts.
The February naval exercise off South Africa enabled South Africa to demonstrate its independent foreign policy, Russia to highlight its continued relations with nations of the Global South, and China to demonstrate the increasing global reach of its navy.
European Security & Defence published on 3 March 2023 an article titled "'Mosi II' Naval Exercise Concluded, But Ramifications Continue" by Hans Uwe Mergener.
South African, Russian, and Chinese navies held a joint exercise off Cape Town that ended on 27 February. South Africa deployed only a single frigate, giving some indication of the South African Navy's current operational capability. The exercise demonstrated that Western efforts to isolate Russia are not resonating in the Global South. It was also an indication of China's growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean that may impact the strategic balance in Africa.
The Daily Maverick published on 23 February 2023 an article titled "Media Laugh Off Request by SANDF Commander to Put Positive Spin on Mosi II Naval Exercise" by Des Erasmus.
At a press briefing, the commander of the South African National Defense Forces (SANDF) asked journalists to comment positively about the South African/Russian/Chinese naval exercise underway in the waters off South Africa on the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Some of the media responded with laughs of disapproval as South Africa struggles to maintain its neutrality over the war.
Defence Web published on 7 February 2023 an article titled "SANDF Declined Exercises with US, but Proceeding with Russia and China" by Guy Martin.
Later this month the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) will participate in a naval exercise with Russian and Chinese ships on the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The United States has recently invited the SANDF to participate in naval exercises in both West and East Africa, but it reportedly has shown no interest.
CBS News published on 25 January 2023 a story titled "U.S. 'Concerned' as South Africa to Hold War Games with Russia, China on Ukraine Invasion Anniversary" by Sarah Carter.
The United States has expressed concern over the South Africa/Russia/China naval exercise from 17-27 February in South African waters on the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen arrived in South Africa this week to discuss trade, energy, and health issues.
The Daily Maverick published on 19 January 2023 a commentary titled "'Insensitive' SANDF to Plough Ahead with Joint Maritime Exercise with Russia and China" by Peter Fabricius.
The South African National Defense Force is hosting from 17-27 February a naval exercise with ships from Russia and China on the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The exercise has come under strong criticism by South Africa's opposition Democratic Alliance.
