China's Defense Ministry says the two armies will hold their first joint training, Karakoram-2026, in Korla, Xinjiang, in mid-to-late October. The theme is joint counterterrorism clearance in high-altitude terrain, and observers note cooperation is widening from special forces to regular army units.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Chen Xi announced on October 10 that the Chinese and Pakistani armies would hold the Karakoram-2026 joint training in Korla, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, in mid-to-late October. Beijing described it as the first joint training between the two armies. Arab News and Taiwan's Central News Agency also carried the announcement, though the exact start date and the number of troops involved were not specified.
광고 문의 · 300×250The Chinese side said the exercise would help deepen counterterrorism cooperation and strengthen the two forces' ability to respond together. The theme is joint counterterrorism clearance operations at high altitude. The name appears to draw on the mountain range along the shared border, but we could not confirm any official explanation. Chinese outlets including the Global Times led on the opening ceremony on October 15, indicating the training is now under way.
What the training covers
According to the announcement, the program includes drone operation, target search and firing on the move, and long-range sniping, along with joint command and live-force maneuvers. This is read as simulating the search for and neutralization of small armed groups in thin air and rugged terrain. Using drones for reconnaissance and target identification reflects recent trends in counterterrorism operations.
Central News Agency noted that earlier bilateral Warrior-series drills involved mainly special forces or border units. Chinese military expert Song Zhongping said the new exercise is larger and more targeted, and that cross-border joint counterterrorism action cannot be ruled out in future, the outlet reported. That is one expert's view; neither government has announced such a plan.
Background and reactions
Arab News reported that the two countries have cooperated on defense since the 1960s and that China is Pakistan's largest arms supplier. As the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has advanced, protecting Chinese personnel and infrastructure in Pakistan has become a recurring security concern. Beijing has consistently said the cooperation contributes to regional peace and stability.
How neighbors such as India view military activity in high-altitude areas cannot be told from this announcement alone, and no official reaction has been confirmed. Because the drill is framed as counterterrorism, the Chinese position is that it is not directed at any third country. The results statement after the exercise and any follow-on schedule will offer clues about the direction of bilateral military exchanges.
