China and Pakistan commence the Karakoram 2026 joint army exercise in Xinjiang, focusing on high-altitude counter-terrorism and tactical interoperability.
BEIJING, October 15: The armed forces of China and Pakistan officially commenced their inaugural joint army training exercise, named Karakoram 2026, at a military facility in Korla, located in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
​The opening ceremony marked the first time the land forces of the two neighboring nations have engaged in a dedicated bilateral army exercise. Following the formal proceedings, participating military personnel engaged in professional exchanges regarding counter-terrorism strategies and operational experiences. According to official state media and military disclosures, Pakistani troops also inspected various Chinese weapons systems and military equipment deployed at the base.
​The extensive bilateral drills center primarily on joint anti-terrorism clearance operations conducted in challenging high-altitude terrain. Organizers outlined that the training curriculum encompasses specialized tactical proficiencies, including uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) operation, on-the-move target search and precise firing, as well as long-range sniping exercises. In addition to specific tactical drills, the exercise program covers comprehensive joint command coordination and live-force maneuvers.
​Advancing Interoperability Through Karakoram 2026
​Military officials from both countries have emphasized that the joint maneuvers are designed to deepen bilateral defense cooperation and significantly enhance tactical interoperability in combating regional security threats.
​Ahead of the deployment, Colonel Chen Xi, press secretary for China’s Ministry of National Defense, noted that the joint activity aims to strengthen the capability of both armed forces to jointly address and neutralize terrorist threats. Defense analysts observe that the exercise broadens the scope of bilateral military collaboration, extending traditional cooperation frameworks beyond previous naval and air drills into specialized ground combat training.
​The two nations share a robust and long-standing strategic partnership. Previous military engagements in recent months have included joint border patrolling exercises conducted at high-elevation strategic points such as the Mantika Pass near the Khunjerab top. Both Beijing and Islamabad continue to reaffirm their mutual commitment to expanding strategic coordination and military-to-military ties.
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