DBDC INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE PUBLICATIONS & EVENTS UK LTD

Photo Credit: Ministry of National Defense People’s Republic of China

The South African Navy frigate Amatola conducted a five-day goodwill visit to Shanghai, arriving at a Chinese naval facility on 15 March 2026. The port call marked the vessel’s first visit to Shanghai and represented the first visit by a South African naval ship to China since 2008, underscoring a renewed phase of bilateral naval engagement.

The visit followed Amatola’s participation in the multinational maritime exercise “Will for Peace 2026”, held earlier in January, where the South African Navy operated alongside Chinese naval units. The deployment reflected ongoing efforts to enhance interoperability and strengthen maritime cooperation between the participating nations.

During the Shanghai port call, a programme of activities was carried out, including cross-deck visits, professional exchanges and official engagements between naval personnel. These interactions focused on key areas such as maritime security, joint training and operational cooperation.

The visit contributed to the further development of practical cooperation between the two navies, while reinforcing broader diplomatic and defence relations between South Africa and China.