The joint maritime exercise "Will for Peace 2026" is set to be held from early to mid January in waters and airspace off the Port of Simon's Town, South Africa, with participation from BRICS member states including China, Russia and South Africa, according to a written statement released by China's Ministry of National Defense on Friday.

Under the theme of "Joint Actions to Ensure the Safety of Key Shipping Lanes and Maritime Economic Activities," participants will conduct counter-terrorism and rescue operations, anti-sea strikes, and other activities such as professional exchanges and on-board tours, read the statement.

The exercise aims to further deepen military exchanges and cooperation among participating nations, and enhance their capabilities in jointly tackling maritime threats, it added.