ISLAMABAD, DEC 16: The China-Pakistan joint counter-terrorism exercise concluded successfully after more than 10 days of intensive training in Pakistan, with all participating Chinese troops returning to China on Sunday.
The exercise formally ended on Friday with a closing ceremony at the national counter-terrorism training center in Pabbi, Pakistan. Following the ceremony, Chinese troops began withdrawing in phases. Chinese officer Yang Kun said the withdrawal was carried out through close coordination with the Pakistani military and local authorities, ensuring smooth transportation, customs clearance, and the safe return of all personnel.
The joint drill, which began in early December, focused on enhancing operational coordination and counter-terrorism capabilities. Troops from Pakistan and China conducted training in mountain clearing operations, hostage rescue missions, and joint fire strikes, employing a mixed-unit training model.
Chinese participant Zhang Ying said both sides carried out multiple rounds of tactical coordination, including joint operations with Pakistani pilots. “Through these coordinated actions, we shared combat experience, learned from each other, and ensured the successful completion of all training tasks,” he said.
In the final stage of the exercise, Chinese and Pakistani forces conducted a full-scale live-fire drill at the national counter-terrorism training center. The operation integrated land and air forces and made extensive use of unmanned equipment, including medium- and high-altitude long-endurance UAVs, UAV swarms, suicide drones, and bomb disposal robots. These assets were deployed for reconnaissance, surveillance, blockade and control, area clearing, and deep-penetration missions against simulated terrorist targets.
Chinese soldier Liu Kang noted that during the 20-minute live-fire phase, multiple combat units—such as special operations forces, army aviation, aerial reconnaissance and strike teams, and information support units—were deployed to practice dozens of operational subjects. He said the drill highlighted the fast-paced, highly coordinated nature of modern counter-terrorism operations and the growing role of unmanned systems.
Beyond field training, the joint exercise also featured case studies, equipment exhibitions, and cultural exchange activities, further strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the two militaries.
Chinese officer Liu Zheliang said the drills were designed to address evolving terrorist threats and expand the scope of bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation. “The exercise demonstrated the strong determination and shared commitment of China and Pakistan to jointly combat terrorism and safeguard regional security,” he said.