Geopolitical Concerns Arise in South Africa Due to Influx of Chinese and Russian Weapons
South Africa is drawing closer to the U.S.’ geopolitical enemies as Chinese and Russian warships and warplanes are increasingly visiting the country, according to analysts. The visits have caused concern among local American diplomats, human rights activists, and opposition parties in Africa’s largest economy.
Some of the Russian vessels are facing sanctions from the United States due to their involvement in Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Association of South Africa also criticized the recent visit of a Russian Tupolev Tu-160 long-range bomber, linking it to the bombing of Ukrainian children in Kharkiv since the invasion in February 2022.
Political analysts believe that the growing frequency of visits by Chinese and Russian military vessels to South Africa indicates the government’s strengthening ties with Washington’s key geopolitical adversaries. This trend comes after both Moscow and Beijing signed multiple military cooperation agreements with Pretoria in recent years.
Despite facing criticism, South African authorities maintain that the visits by foreign warships are part of international maritime laws and conventions, allowing ships and crews to rest and resupply before continuing their journeys.
However, concerns continue as Russian and Chinese vessels have been reported ‘switching off’ their automatic identification system transponders when entering South African harbors, raising suspicions of concealment of their presence. The recent presence of these vessels has sparked calls for South Africa to cease economic and military cooperation with Russia and impose sanctions on individuals linked to war offenses.
The ongoing diplomatic, military, and economic engagements between South Africa and its international partners continue to attract scrutiny and criticism from various stakeholders, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.
