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 another round of annual training aimed at strengthening interoperability between the two countries’ armed forces.
Pakistan and China maintain one of Asia’s closest defense partnerships, built over decades through co-production of major weapons systems, most notably the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, and extensive military training and exchanges. Their armed forces routinely participate in bilateral and multilateral drills, including the Sea Guardians naval exercises and the Shaheen air-combat series, which focus on maritime security, air-superiority operations and counterterrorism.
Both countries also cooperate on intelligence sharing, border security and counterterrorism training, with Pakistan regularly hosting Chinese contingents at its National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Pabbi, one of South Asia’s largest specialized counterterrorism facilities.
“The Pakistan Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China have commenced the joint military exercise Warrior-IX, the ninth edition in the series of bilateral counterterrorism exercises conducted annually between the two Iron Clad Brothers,” the Pakistan army said.
The drills began on Dec. 1 and will focus on counterterrorism operations with the objective of “enhancing interoperability, refining professional skills, and exchanging best practices in modern warfare,” according to the statement.
The exercise is expected to run through December, involving specialized troops from both armies and focusing on simulated counterterrorism scenarios designed to strengthen joint response capabilities.
The military added that the exercise reflects broader bilateral defense cooperation: “Pakistan and China enjoy longstanding, time-tested defense cooperation rooted in mutual trust and strategic partnership. Exercise Warrior-IX stands as a testament to the robust military-to-military relations between the two countries and reaffirms their shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and security.”
Senior military leaders from both sides attended Monday’s opening ceremony at the NCTC, including Mangla Corps Commander and Major General Bian Xiaoming, Deputy Chief of Staff of China’s Western Theatre Command.
