ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China are holding a two-week joint long counterterrorism drill aimed at further strengthening military cooperation between the two strategic partners, a military statement said on Thursday.
“Pakistan Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China are conducting a joint counterterrorism exercise Warrior-IX from 28 November to 14 December 2025,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said.
A ‘Distinguished Visitors Day’ was also held during the drills at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Pabbi. China’s ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, and Pakistan’s Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Syed Aamer Raza were also present on the occasion.
“During the visit, honourable guests were briefed on the scope, objectives, and conduct of the joint exercise. They witnessed various counterterrorism drills and appreciated the professionalism, operational competence, and high morale demonstrated by the participating troops from both sides,” ISPR said.
#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 11 December 2025#Pakistan Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of #China are conducting joint counterterrorism exercise Warrior-IX from 28 November to 14 December 2025. This two-week exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening… pic.twitter.com/m0VXCiGyCB— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) December 11, 2025
“The exercise reflects strong defence collaboration between Pakistan and China and reaffirms the commitment of both Armed Forces to working together for peace and stability,” the Pakistan military said.
Pakistan and China have maintained one of Asia’s closest defence partnerships since the 1960s, rooted in shared strategic interests and long-term military cooperation.
China is Pakistan’s largest supplier of military hardware, providing fighter aircraft, naval vessels, air-defence systems, and armored platforms, including co-producing the JF-17 fighter jet through a major joint programme launched in 1999.
The two militaries regularly collaborate on training, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism operations, while conducting routine joint exercises across all three services: army, navy, and air force.
Security cooperation between Pakistan and China has strengthened further under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
In recent years, the two countries have conducted joint counterterrorism exercises, maritime security drills in the Arabian Sea, and high-level defence consultations to enhance interoperability and address shared threats, including militant activity and regional instability.
Both governments publicly describe their military relationship as a “strategic partnership” and an “ironclad friendship.”
