China to Lead First-Ever BRICS Joint Naval Drills

China will command a historic joint naval exercise with other BRICS nations off the coast of South Africa next week. This marks the first major defense cooperation of its kind for the bloc. The drills, named "Will for Peace 2026," are scheduled from January 9 to 16. Navies from BRICS and invited partner nations will participate. According to the South African National Defence Force, the exercise will focus on joint maritime safety, interoperability—which means making different forces operate together smoothly—and protection operations. The move is expected to draw close attention from Western capitals, particularly Washington, as BRICS expands its strategic cooperation.