ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China this week launched joint counterterrorism drills under the ninth edition of the “Warrior” exercise series, the Pakistani military said on Tuesday, marking the latest round of annual training designed to enhance interoperability and deepen operational coordination between the two armed forces.
Pakistan military media wing, ISPR, said in a statement that the Pakistan Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) commenced Warrior-IX, the latest edition of their annual bilateral counterterrorism exercise on Monday, with a focus on counterterrorism operations, aimed at enhancing interoperability, strengthening professional skills, and promoting the exchange of best practices in modern warfare.
Pakistan and China maintain one of Asia’s closest defence partnerships, strengthened over decades through joint development of major weapons systems — most notably the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet — as well as extensive training, exchanges, and joint planning.
Their militaries regularly participate in high-intensity bilateral and multilateral drills, including the Sea Guardians naval exercises and the Shaheen air-combat series, which sharpen maritime security, air-superiority and counterterrorism capabilities.
The two countries also collaborate closely on intelligence sharing, border security and counterterrorism training. Pakistan routinely hosts PLA contingents at its National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Pabbi, one of South Asia’s most advanced specialized facilities for modern counterterrorism operations.
Pakistan and China share decades-long defence collaboration defined by mutual trust, strategic alignment, and what both sides describe as an “all-weather” partnership. Warrior-IX is viewed as a key symbol of these ties, reaffirming the two countries’ joint commitment to regional peace, stability, and security.
Senior military officials — including Mangla Corps Commander, and Major General Bian Xiaoming, Deputy Chief of Staff of the PLA’s Western Theatre Command — attended the opening ceremony held at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Pabbi. Officers from both sides emphasised the significance of continued military-to-military engagement in effectively countering evolving security challenges.
