![South African President Cyril Ramaphosa gives a speech in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 24, 2023. [Handout - BRICS - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AA-20230824-31989849-31989843-15TH_BRICS_LEADERS_SUMMIT_IN_S_AFRICA.jpg)
South Africa raised concerns with China over Iran’s participation in recent Chinese-led naval exercises in its waters, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday, Anadolu reports. “The naval exercises were led by China, and we were just the host waters,” he told reporters. Ramaphosa said China was responsible for organizing the exercises and inviting participants, and Pretoria raised with Beijing “the issue of Iran and said that it would be best that they should withdraw and not participate.” He said South Africa launched a board of inquiry to review the exercises after extensive consultations revealed the need for more information on what occurred and how to respond. “It is a matter that everyone in defense and in government is seized with […]
