Pakistan and China have launched the “Warrior VIII” joint military exercise aimed at enhancing counterterrorism capabilities and strengthening defense cooperation between the two nations. The three-week-long drill, which began on November 19, is being conducted at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Pabbi, Punjab.
Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Asim Munir, visited the training site on Friday, where he observed the exercise, interacted with participants, and praised their professionalism and morale, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The exercise comes at a time when China’s security concerns in Pakistan have escalated due to a series of targeted attacks on Chinese nationals working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Growing Security Concerns
China has been a key investor in Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy sectors through CPEC, a multi-billion-dollar initiative. However, militant attacks have raised concerns about the safety of thousands of Chinese nationals working in the country.
Earlier this year, in March, a suicide bombing near Besham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed five Chinese engineers. In October, another bombing near Karachi airport targeted Chinese workers ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Islamabad.
In response, Beijing has reportedly proposed a joint security mechanism to safeguard its citizens.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
Despite the security challenges, Pakistan’s foreign office emphasized the “robust dialogue and cooperation” between the two countries on various issues, including counterterrorism. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals and their investments.
“Warrior VIII” marks the first joint counterterrorism exercise between Pakistan and China in five years, highlighting their renewed focus on military collaboration amid evolving regional security dynamics.
The ISPR further stated that the exercise underscores the shared commitment of both nations to combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability.
