BRICS countries kick off joint maritime exercise in South Africa

The BRICS joint maritime exercise, featuring China, Russia and South Africa, launched its opening ceremony on Saturday in the waters and airspace off Simon’s Town, South Africa.

The eight-day exercise, "Will for Peace 2026," running from Friday to Jan 16, will see participants conduct counter-terrorism, rescues, and anti-sea-strike operations, as well as other activities such as professional exchanges and onboard tours. The exercise aims to jointly maintain the security of international shipping lanes and enhance maritime cooperation capabilities.

"The theme of the exercise is joint actions to ensure the safety of shipping lanes and maritime economic activities. The exercise will normally focus on the anti-piracy activities and some other activities that are scheduled to take place during the sea phase," said Captain Nndwakhulu Thomas Tamaha, South Africa's joint taskforce commander.

Countries including Indonesia and Ethiopia will attend as observers.

BRICS countries kick off joint maritime exercise in South Africa

Tender moments between caretakers and adorable 2025-born panda cubs were captured in a recent video clip in a panda base in Chengdu City, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The footage features two playful cubs frolicking while the caretaker gently soothes them, creating an atmosphere of laughter and warmth, filmed at the Star Giant Panda Nursery House.

Now and then, the caretaker pauses their busy tasks to offer water to the cubs in a bowl and lovingly cradles the energetic little ones, clearly showing that their work is not just a job, but a source of immense joy.

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a world-renowned institution for the conservation of giant pandas. The base is famous for its work in protecting and breeding giant pandas, red pandas and other endangered wild animal species unique to China, as well as its educational outreach programs. It is now a major tourist attraction.

Tender moments of playful new born panda cubs with caretaker captured in video footage