Khaberni - Chinese and Iranian warships docked off the main naval base in South Africa on Thursday ahead of maneuvers that officials said were also intended to engage Russia.
The "Will for Peace" maneuvers hosted by South Africa from January 9 to 16, could escalate tensions with the United States, which is at odds with many of the participating countries.
Journalists from Agence France-Presse saw two Chinese ships in the Port of False Bay in Cape Town on Wednesday, and an Iranian ship joined them on Thursday.
Officials in the South African navy also expect Russian warships to participate in the exercises led by China.
These exercises focus on "shipping safety and economic maritime activities," according to the South African Defence Forces in December when they announced them.
Their statement said the goal of these maneuvers is to "deepen cooperation in supporting peaceful maritime security initiatives," noting that they would include naval forces from BRICS countries.
President Donald Trump accused BRICS countries of "anti-American" policies.
South Africa has faced criticism from the United States because of its close relations with Russia and a range of other policies, including its decision to file a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the war on Gaza.
Additionally, the South African military has been criticized for hosting naval maneuvers with Russia and China in 2023, coinciding with the first anniversary of Moscow's attack on Ukraine.
The three countries conducted their first joint naval exercises in 2019.
