Pakistan and China have begun a joint army training exercise in Xinjiang, the western Chinese province, under the name Karakoram 2026. The Pakistan China Joint Military Exercise started on Wednesday, and its opening ceremony was held at a training base in Korla city, according to the official media account of China's armed forces. The reporting describes the drill as a step in the two countries' military cooperation, with counter-terrorism training at its centre.
What the exercise will cover
The two sides exchanged counter-terrorism experience, the reporting says, and Pakistani troops observed some Chinese weapons and equipment. Before the drill began, Colonel Chen Xi, press secretary of China's defence ministry, said the exercise would help both sides deepen exchanges and cooperation. He added that it would strengthen their ability to respond jointly to the threat of terrorism.
Colonel Chen said the training would focus on “joint anti-terrorism clearance operations at high altitudes”. The programme includes drone operation, moving target search and firing, and long-range sniping, along with “joint command and live-force exercises.” The sources do not give the number of personnel taking part or how long the drill will run.
Background to the partnership
Pakistan and China describe their ties as a longstanding strategic partnership. In September, the two countries held a joint patrolling exercise at Mantika Pass, at an altitude of about 4,700 metres near the Khunjerab top in the upper area of Hunza in Gilgit-Baltistan. In May, they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral military cooperation and strategic coordination.
The Pakistan China Joint Military Exercise takes place against this background of regular military contact between the two sides. Those earlier steps show the working relationship, but the sources do not say whether the new drill is a regular annual event.
What is not yet confirmed
One wire report describes Karakoram 2026 as the first-ever joint army training exercise between the two militaries. The other reporting used here does not make that claim, and the official statements quoted do not confirm it, so it should be treated as unverified.
The sources also do not give the length of the drill, its full scope, or any results. Official statements on the outcome were not in the material reviewed, so readers should look to the defence ministries of both countries for further details.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan aur China ki fauj ki mushtarka mashq, Karakoram 2026, Wednesday ko China ke Xinjiang mein shuru hui hai. Is mein dehshatgardi ke khilaf mushtarka kaarwai, drone chalana, harkat karte nishanon ki talash aur door se sniping ki training shaamil hai. Dono mulkon ka maqsad aapas ke taaluqaat aur mushtarka jawabi salahiyat ko behtar karna bataya gaya hai. Aam logon ke liye is ka seedha asar abhi saaf nahi hai, is liye official khabron ka intezar karein.
