BEIJING: Pakistan and China have begun a joint army training exercise in China’s Xinjiang region, focusing on counterterrorism operations in high-altitude environments.
The exercise, named Karakoram 2026, opened on 14 October at a training facility in Korla, according to Chinese military reporting. It involves joint command activities, field training and exchanges of operational experience.
What the exercise covers
China’s Ministry of National Defence said the programme would include unmanned aerial vehicle operations, searching for and engaging moving targets, and long-range marksmanship. The two armies are also expected to practise joint command and field coordination in counterterrorism scenarios.
Chinese officials described Karakoram 2026 as the first joint army training exercise of this particular kind between the countries. That does not mean Pakistan and China have never trained together: their longstanding defence relationship includes earlier exercises, exchanges and military cooperation.
High-altitude cooperation
The training is intended to improve coordination in challenging mountainous conditions. Pakistan and China also conducted a joint border patrol exercise near the Khunjerab area in September.
Officials have presented the latest programme as an opportunity to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation. The announcement did not set out a detailed public timetable for the conclusion of each training activity.
Sources: China Ministry of National Defence; Dawn, 15 October 2026.
Pakistan Report Illustration