The tiny South African town that is very important to the United States

Simon’s Town, located on the shores of False Bay along the Cape Peninsula, is a key geopolitical point in an international battle between the United States and China.

To most South Africans, Simon’s Town is known as a sleepy village with a colony of wild African penguins, quaint restaurants, and fresh seafood.

It is also one of South Africa’s oldest coastal towns, with the first buildings dating back to the eighteenth century and the Dutch East India Company (VOC).

However, the fact that artists love the town and wild baboons roam the streets masks the importance of this town in geopolitics.

Its relevance became clear during Will for Peace 2026, a China-led multinational maritime naval exercise held from 9 to January 2026.

This exercise off the coast of Cape Town and Simon’s Town brought together navies from BRICS nations, including South Africa, China, Russia, and Iran.

These drills focused on maritime safety and security of shipping lanes, which gave a hint into why Simon’s Town is so important to the world.

It is strategically located near the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, making it a key point in shipping routes.

Considering its importance, it is no surprise that the Will for Peace 2026 exercise grabbed the attention of the United States.

It signalled to the world that South Africa has aligned itself with China, Russia, and Iran, the United States’ enemies, when it comes to shipping routes.

This did not support South Africa’s long-standing non-aligned position as it highlighted growing security cooperation and non-Western alignment within the Global South.

There were also questions regarding the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) authority to have organised this exercise.

It has resulted in an investigation by the Presidency, as President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, has issued instructions that this not happen.

Why Simon’s Town is so important

Simon’s Town is located on the shores of Simon’s Bay in False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula.

It is home to Naval Base Simon’s Town, the South African Navy’s largest base, providing support functions to Fleet Command.

Joel Pollak, the frontrunner to become the United States Ambassador to South Africa, explained the relevance of Simon’s Town in a global context.

“The reason Simon’s Town is important globally is the same reason South Africa has been important for hundreds of years,” he said.

He explained that Simon’s Town is situated near the point where the Atlantic and Indian oceans come together.

It has achieved elevated importance due to the Indo-Pacific’s role in international relations and its prominence in trade and military affairs.

“Despite the town’s beauty and tranquil nature, it has been a point fought over by empires for centuries because of its strategic importance,” he said.

“It remains important. Although it is a small port, it can be expanded. It is an important naval station in the Indo-Pacific.”

He added that there is great interest in what China might do if it gains more influence on the African continent.

China has a pattern on the continent where it lends money to African countries with unfavourable terms.

When these countries cannot pay, China will seize key assets in these countries, including ports, airports, mines, and infrastructure.

“There is a real concern that South Africa’s closeness to China could lead to it taking over key strategic assets that are important to the local economy,” he said.

Another possibility is that China could take over military installations that are important for maintaining peace worldwide.

Pollak said the United States wants to create a peaceful global environment which favours economic growth and prosperity.

China, by comparison, seeks to control its sphere of influence, whether in the Western Pacific or the Indian Ocean. Simon’s Town is a key point in this endeavour.

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Simon’s Town photos

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