China, Pakistan begin first-ever joint army training exercise

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

The opening ceremony of Karakoram 2026 took place at a military training base in Korla, as reported by China Military Bugle, the official media account of the Chinese armed forces.

The exercise focuses on joint counter-terrorism operations in high-altitude areas. It includes training in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, moving-target detection and firing, and long-range sniping, alongside joint command drills and exercises involving troops.

The two sides also exchanged counter-terrorism experience, while Pakistani soldiers observed Chinese weapons and military equipment.

According to China Central Television’s military channel, the equipment used in the exercise was supplied by China. It included Type 191 rifles, Type 201 squad machine guns, Type 11 armoured assault vehicles, Type 08 infantry fighting vehicles, artillery, and unmanned and counter-unmanned systems.

The exercise aims to deepen military cooperation between the two countries and improve their ability to conduct joint counter-terrorism operations.

Pakistan and China maintain longstanding defence ties based on mutual trust and strategic cooperation.

Earlier, on May 8, joint patrol exercises were conducted by the Khunjerab Security Force and the Chinese military at the Khunjerab Pass along the border in Hunza.