OREANDA-NEWS  The Republic of South Africa (South Africa) has given Russia and China permission to conduct naval exercises off its coast. This is reported by Fox News.

Joint exercises called Operation "Mosi" ("Smoke") will be held in the period from February 17 to 26. They will involve three Chinese ships, two Russian ships and a South African naval platform.

The shadow defense Minister from the opposition Democratic Alliance party criticized the decision of the South African government. In his opinion, the exercises of Moscow and Beijing may give the impression of "South Africa's bias."

"It is obvious that this may alienate us from other important trading partners, from the West. This is in the interests of Russia," he said.

Earlier, the naval exercises of Russia and China "Maritime Cooperation-2022" were completed in the East China Sea. The military trained to free the captured vessel and improved joint search and rescue operations at sea, conducted joint tactical maneuvering, as well as communication training. In total, more than 10 combat exercises were performed together.

From Russia, the flagship of the Pacific Fleet, the Varyag missile cruiser, the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate and two corvettes took part in the maneuvers.