Pakistan and China have launched their latest round of bilateral military cooperation with the commencement of the “Warrior-IX” joint counter-terrorism exercise, scheduled to run from late November through mid-December in Pakistan.
According to a statement issued by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense in Beijing, troops from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theater Command have arrived to conduct the exercise alongside units of the Pakistan Army. The announcement reflects the continuity of long-standing defence coordination between the two countries, particularly in the domain of counter-terrorism operations.
The 2025 iteration of Warrior-IX focuses on “joint counter-terrorism clearance and strike operations.” Officials note that the exercise has been structured to simulate complex, high-risk scenarios designed to test tactical readiness, interoperability and rapid-response mechanisms in urban and semi-urban environments.
Defence observers view the exercise as a crucial component of Pakistan and China’s security partnership at a time when regional challenges have intensified. Both militaries have repeatedly emphasized the need for enhanced preparedness against evolving transnational threats, especially militant networks operating across borders.
Participating troops will engage in a series of coordinated drills, including real-time intelligence sharing, hostage rescue simulations, close-quarters battle manoeuvres and integrated firepower operations. The objective, officials say, is to deepen coordination and strengthen joint capabilities required for counter-terrorism and internal security missions.
Analysts believe that the Warrior-IX exercise serves dual purposes: improving joint operational efficiencies and signalling a shared commitment to regional peace and stability. Over the years, Pakistan and China have steadily expanded cooperation under various defence and security frameworks, with counter-terrorism emerging as a central pillar of their strategic ties.
Military exchanges between the two countries have also increased through training programmes, joint exercises and high-level consultations. Warrior-IX complements these engagements by enabling ground-level collaboration and offering both sides an opportunity to review modern counter-terrorism practices.
For Pakistan, the exercise aligns with its broader effort to modernize security infrastructure and enhance defence partnerships with allied nations. For China, it reinforces the Western Theater Command’s operational familiarity with partner forces across South Asia.
The exercise is expected to conclude in mid-December, with both sides describing it as another meaningful step in strengthening coordinated action against terrorism and consolidating defence relations.
