Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, Zhang Youxia, met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Syed Asim Munir, during his visit to Pakistan. Zhang pledged to strengthen ties between the two countries as the parties discussed “regional security dynamics, measures to ensure regional stability, and enhancing bilateral defense cooperation.”
The Warrior-8 joint counterterrorism exercise began in Pakistan last week and will continue until mid-December. Over 300 troops from the Western Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are participating in the exercise. The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that the drills aim to “test and enhance joint counterterrorism capabilities” and “strengthen pragmatic exchanges and cooperation” between the two militaries. This exercise follows a series of deadly attacks over the past year that have targeted Chinese citizens and interests, heightening regional security concerns and overshadowing economic cooperation.
On November 19, China announced plans for the joint exercise as Pakistan launched a new military operation against separatist militants in Balochistan. The Pakistan Armed Forces reported that four terrorists were killed in three separate incidents between November 20 and 22 in Balochistan province, which hosts significant projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping stated that joint counterterrorism exercises could deter terrorist groups and improve bilateral political and economic relations. “China-Pakistan economic cooperation requires a strong security guarantee as the security situation in Pakistan has been quite complex in recent years,” Song said, emphasizing that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is particularly vulnerable to attacks by local terrorist groups.
Song also noted that the PLA has been using more unmanned devices in recent joint exercises, showcasing China’s military advancements and testing equipment in various environments.