Why China's first joint army exercise with Pakistan in high-altitude terrain is significant for India

China and Pakistan have launched their first-ever joint Army exercise in the high-altitude region of Xinjiang, deploying an array of Chinese-supplied weapons and military equipment, including assault rifles, armoured vehicles, artillery and unmanned systems.

The exercise, named Karakoram 2026, is another important development in military cooperation between the two countries, which already conduct annual joint exercises involving their air forces and navies.

All weapons and equipment deployed during the exercise have been provided by the Chinese military, according to a report by state-run CCTV. The Chinese weapons in the exercise include Type 191 rifles, Type 201 squad machine guns, Type 11 armoured assault vehicles and Type 08 infantry fighting vehicles, besides artillery, unmanned systems and counter-drone equipment.

Beijing accounts for more than 80 per cent of weapons supplied to Pakistan's three armed services.

According to the Chinese military, the exercise focuses on joint counter-terrorism and clearance operations in high-altitude areas.

The deployment of Chinese weapons in such terrain is particularly significant given the People's Liberation Army's experience operating in the Himalayan border region near India.

Chinese military experts believe Pakistan's use of an entirely Chinese equipment lineup during the exercise reflects growing military trust between the two countries and could pave the way for further defence purchases from Beijing.

Military affairs expert Wang Yunfei told Global Times that the Type 11 armoured assault vehicles and Type 08 infantry fighting vehicles deployed in the exercise are both wheeled platforms.

According to Wang, wheeled armoured vehicles offer several advantages during high-altitude operations, particularly in terms of mobility and maintenance.

Unlike tracked vehicles, wheeled platforms are generally faster during road manoeuvres and easier to maintain, making them suitable for movement and combat missions on plateaus.

Wang said the Chinese equipment deployed during the exercise covers multiple categories and constitutes a relatively complete combat system.

Some of the equipment used during the exercise could eventually be purchased by Pakistan, further increasing the presence of Chinese weapons in the Pakistan Army, he said.

The exercise, according to Wang, therefore serves both as a rehearsal for joint military operations and an opportunity for Pakistani personnel to familiarise themselves with Chinese weapons and equipment.

Chinese military analysts see Karakoram 2026 as an indication of deepening strategic trust and growing operational compatibility between the two armies.

Wang said the exercise demonstrated that military cooperation between China and Pakistan had reached a high level.

He argued that developing interoperability between their forces would establish a foundation for future joint operations in counter-terrorism, border control and other areas.

The exercise is also expected to help the two armies improve their ability to operate together using Chinese military systems.

Another Chinese military affairs expert, Zhang Jueshe, told the Global Times that the two countries could complement each other's capabilities in counter-terrorism operations.

According to Zhang, cooperation could be strengthened through intelligence sharing, joint operations, technology transfers, exchanges of operational experience and economic cooperation. "China could provide Pakistan with technical and equipment support, including drones and smart combat platforms, to boost its surveillance and early warning capacity against terrorist groups, and also conduct experience training," he said.

Zhang added that Pakistan's experience in managing complex border security situations, dealing with local separatist forces and coordinating counter-terrorism operations could also offer lessons for China.

The training would cover several operational skills, including unmanned aerial vehicle operations, searching for and firing at targets while moving, and long-range sniping. It will also include joint command activities and exercises involving troops on the ground.

The training is intended to improve coordination between the two armies and strengthen their ability to conduct counter-terrorism operations in challenging terrain.

Zhang said the exercise would expand the scope of China-Pakistan military cooperation, deepen mutual trust and improve counter-terrorism collaboration through exchanges of operational experience and expertise.

—With agency inputs