The opening ceremony of the joint military exercise Karakoram 2026 was held at a training base in Korla, Xinjiang, according to China Military Bugle, the official media account of China’s armed forces.
During the exercise, Pakistani and Chinese forces exchanged counter-terrorism expertise, while Pakistani troops observed Chinese weapons and military equipment.
Ahead of the drills, Chinese Defence Ministry press secretary Colonel Chen Xi said the exercise would help both countries strengthen exchanges and cooperation and improve their ability to jointly counter terrorist threats.
He said the training would focus on “joint anti-terrorism clearance operations at high altitudes”.
The exercise is also set to include drone operations, on-the-move target search and firing, and long-range sniping. It will further involve joint command activities and live-force exercises, according to China’s Xinhua news agency.
Pakistan and China maintain a longstanding strategic partnership, including close defence and security cooperation.
In September, the two countries conducted a joint patrolling exercise at Mantika Pass, at an altitude of approximately 4,700 metres, near the Khunjerab Pass in the upper Hunza region of Gilgit-Baltistan.
In May, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral military cooperation and strategic coordination.
