Warrior-VIII: Pakistan and China are conducting the eighth edition of the Warrior exercise in Pabbi, Nowshera district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Pakistan and China started the “Warrior Series of Exercises” in 2013 to enhance military cooperation. The exercises are held annually. The last edition was held in 2019.
Exercise Warrior-VIII began on 20 November 2024 and will conclude on 11 December 2024. The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation between the two nations, focusing on counterterrorism tactics and operations. In recent years, the attacks on Chinese targets and citizens have significantly increased. Earlier this month, Beijing pressurized Pakistan to allow its security staff to provide security personnel involved in CPEC projects.
The recent attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan have highlighted the need for such exercises to counter threats involving Chinese nationals involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
Pakistan Army and People’s Liberation Army are participating in this exercise. People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed 300 soldiers from the Western Theatre Command for this exercise.
The current edition of the exercise focuses on joint anti-terrorist operations, including planning and executing live-force exercises that simulate real combat scenarios. This involves collaborative tactics for “joint anti-terrorism elimination and strike operations” across various levels and specialties.
Exercise Warrior-VIII has been framed as part of a broader strategy to bolster military ties between the two nations because of increased security concerns for Chinese nationals involved in CPEC projects. Both countries are keen to consolidate their defense cooperation in response to militant groups in regions like Balochistan.
