RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and China have launched the ninth edition of their annual joint counteres, built on trust, strategic-terrorism exercise, Warrior-IX, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The ISPR said in the statement that the exercise began on 1 December 2025. It aims to strengthen joint capacity for modern counter-terror operations.
Warrior-IX focuses on improving coordination, enhancing professional skills, and sharing operational experience. It also underscores the depth of Pakistan–China defence ti cooperation, and a shared goal of regional stability, it added.
The two countries also cooperate on intelligence sharing, border security, and counterterrorism training. Pakistan regularly hosts Chinese contingents at its National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Pabbi, one of South Asia’s largest specialised counterterrorism facilities.
“The Pakistan Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have commenced the joint exercise Warrior-IX,” the Pakistan Army said. This is the ninth edition of their annual bilateral counterterrorism drills.
The exercises began on December 1. They aim to enhance interoperability, sharpen professional skills, and exchange best practices in modern warfare.
The drill will run through December. It involves specialised troops from both armies and focuses on simulated counterterrorism scenarios to strengthen joint response capabilities.
Officials said the exercise reflects broader bilateral defence cooperation. “Pakistan and China enjoy longstanding defence ties rooted in mutual trust and strategic partnership,” the military said. “Warrior-IX showcases our robust military-to-military relations and reaffirms our shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and security.”
Senior military leaders attended Monday’s opening ceremony at the NCTC. They included the Mangla Corps Commander and Major General Bian Xiaoming, Deputy Chief of Staff of China’s Western Theatre Command.
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Warrior-IX reflects the strong Pakistan–China defence partnership and their shared resolve to address emerging security challenges.
