China, Pakistan begin first-ever joint army training exercise

China and Pakistan began their first-ever joint army training exercise on Wednesday in northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, according to Chinese state media.

The opening ceremony of Karakoram 2026 was held at a training base in Korla city, according to the China Military Bugle, the official media account of Beijing’s armed forces.

The two sides exchanged counter-terrorism experience, and Pakistani troops observed some Chinese weapons and equipment.

Focusing on joint counter-terrorism operations in high-altitude areas, the exercise would include skills training in UAV operation, on-the-move target search and firing, and long-range sniping, and would cover joint command and live-force exercises.

The training would help the two sides deepen cooperation and strengthen interoperability in counter-terrorism.

According to China Central Television‘s military channel, the weapons and equipment in the training were provided by China and included “Type 191 rifles, Type 201 squad machine guns, Type 11 armoured assault vehicles, Type 08 infantry fighting vehicles, as well as artillery, unmanned and anti-unmanned systems”.

Pakistan and China enjoy longstanding, time-tested defence cooperation rooted in mutual trust and strategic partnership.

On May 8, joint patrol exercises were conducted between the Khunjerab Security Force and the Chinese military at the Khunjerab Pass border in Hunza.

The purpose of the joint activity was to further strengthen Pakistan-China border security, promote mutual cooperation, and reinforce friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries.

On December 3, 2025, the Pakistan Army and the People’s Liberation Army commenced the joint military exercise Warrior-IX, the ninth edition in the series of bilateral counterterrorism exercises conducted annually between the two countries.

The exercise focused on Counter Terrorism operations to enhance interoperability, refine professional skills, and exchange best practices in modern warfare.