The Pakistan Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have launched the ninth edition of the joint military exercise Warrior-IX, the annual bilateral counter-terrorism drill that underscores the close defence ties between the two nations. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday, the exercise began on 1 December 2025. It focuses on counter-terrorism operations, aiming to enhance interoperability, sharpen professional skills, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in modern warfare. Pakistan and China share a longstanding defence partnership built on mutual trust and strategic cooperation. Exercise Warrior-IX reflects the strength of their military-to-military relations and reaffirms their commitment to regional peace, stability, and security. The opening ceremony was held at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Pabbi. It was attended by Mangla Corps Commander Major General Bian Xiaoming, Deputy Chief of Staff of China’s Western Theatre Command, along with senior military officials from both countries. The Chinese Ministry of Defence had also announced the exercise a day earlier, noting that troops from the PLA’s Western Theater Command and the Pakistan Army would jointly conduct the counter-terrorism drill in Pakistan. In a statement issued in Beijing, the Defence Ministry said focusing on the theme of “joint counter-terrorism clearance and strike operations,” the exercise aims to test and enhance the joint counter-terrorism capabilities of the two militaries and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.
Joint Counter-Terrorism Drill: Pakistan and China Armies Begin Warrior-IX Exercise
