South Africa launched a 10-day joint naval exercise with Russia and China, a move it is calling routine, but which has fueled domestic criticism and fears the drills will endanger important relations with western partners. World powers are vying for influence in Africa amid deepening global tensions resulting from the war in Ukraine and Chinese posture towards Taiwan. Some African nations are steadfastly refusing to take sides as they seek to benefit from the diplomatic tug-o-war. South Africa says it maintains a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict and abstained from voting on a U.N. resolution last year condemning Russia.
Source : CNBC Africa
