China, Pakistan To Hold First Joint Army Drill After Operation Sindoor In October 2026

China and Pakistan will conduct their first-ever joint army training exercise in October 2026, expanding their defence partnership amid regional security tensions and continuing friction between Islamabad and Kabul over cross-border militancy.

The Karakoram 2026 exercise will take place in Korla, in China's northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in mid-to-late October, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Chen Xi announced on October 10. The drills will focus on counter-terrorism operations and clearance missions in high-altitude areas.

The training programme will include drone operations, firing at moving targets, long-range sniping, joint command exercises and live-force drills. Beijing has said the exercise will strengthen cooperation, facilitate the exchange of operational experience and improve the two armies' ability to respond jointly to terrorist threats.

The exercise marks an expansion of China-Pakistan military cooperation, which has previously included the Shaheen joint air exercises and Sea Guardians maritime drills. Unlike these specialised engagements, Karakoram 2026 will involve regular ground forces, reflecting a broader scope for bilateral military training.

The drills will be the first joint army training between the two countries since Operation Sindoor, launched by India in May 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. India struck terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during the operation.

China acknowledged in May 2026 that it had provided technical support to Pakistan during the military confrontation. Pakistan also relies heavily on Chinese-origin military equipment, including fighter aircraft, naval platforms and air defence systems, making Beijing a key defence partner for Islamabad.

The partnership also has an economic dimension. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major infrastructure and connectivity initiative linking western China with Pakistan, has faced security challenges, including attacks on Chinese personnel and projects by militant groups. Protecting Chinese citizens and investments remains an important concern for Beijing.

The timing of the exercise is significant as Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to trade accusations over cross-border militancy. Islamabad alleges that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan operates from Afghan territory, a charge rejected by Kabul. Afghanistan shares borders with both Pakistan and China.