Pakistan Army and People’s Liberation Army of China have launched Warrior-IX, the latest edition of their annual counterterrorism exercise, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in an official statement on Monday.

According to ISPR, the ninth joint drill in the Warrior series began on 1 December 2025, with a focus on counterterrorism operations designed to enhance interoperability, sharpen professional skills and facilitate the exchange of modern warfare practices between the two militaries.

The military’s media wing said Pakistan and China enjoy “longstanding, time-tested defence cooperation rooted in mutual trust and strategic partnership”, adding that Warrior-IX reflects the depth of their military ties and reaffirms their shared commitment to regional peace, stability and security.

The opening ceremony, held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi, was attended by senior officers from both sides, including the Mangla Corps Commander, Major General Bian Xiaoming, Deputy Chief of Staff of the PLA’s Western Theatre Command, and other high-ranking officials, ISPR said.