Lawmakers in the US ask Biden to reconsider relations with South Africa over exercises with China and Russia 01:37

Members of the US House of Representatives urged President Joe Biden’s administration to conduct a “comprehensive analysis of the situation” in relations with South Africa due to its joint military exercises with China and Russia. It has been reported Daily Maverick.

According to the publication, several lawmakers submitted a draft resolution HR145 to Congress that would require the US administration to request a detailed report on the economic benefits South Africa has reaped from America’s inclusion in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) and the Trade Act. . and the Investment Framework signed in 2012 between the United States and South Africa.

Agoa provides duty-free and quota-free access to most of South Africa’s exports to the US and is a major boon for South African exporters, especially suppliers of cars and fruit.

The administration’s directive to explore the benefits of Agoa indicates that Congress is considering depriving South Africa of these benefits due to its growing relations with Russia and China.

Additionally, resolution HR145 condemns the weakening of South Africa’s military relations with the United States. In particular, it is noted that the armed forces of the United States and South Africa “historically held joint military exercises and maintained good relations” – for example, for the fourth time since 2011, South Africa hosted American troops for the Joint Agreement exercise in 2022. .

At the same time, South Africa refused to participate in the Cutlass Express military exercises planned with the United States in 2023.

The resolution calls on the South African government to “cancel all future military exercises with the People’s Republic of China and Russia and participate in US-led exercises such as the Cutlass Express”.

Previously reportedThe opening ceremony of Russia, China and South Africa’s naval exercises in the Atlantic Ocean was held in South Africa’s Richards Bay port.

Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolai Evmenov also attended the ceremony. He thanked the host country for the invitation and also expressed his hope to deepen security cooperation among the participating countries.

The active phase of the exercises will take place on February 25-27. Seafarers from the three states will give lectures on inspecting ships, releasing hostages on board and helping those in distress.