In November-December of 2024, the Pak-China Joint Warrior-VIII exercise took place between the Pakistan Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. This annual, three-week-long exercise was held from 19 November to 11 December and was the eighth iteration of the Warrior series, marking a significant continuation of bilateral military cooperation between the two nations. The primary goal of this exercise was to enhance practical exchanges and foster deeper collaboration in counter-terrorism operations.
While this year’s exercise attracted much attention in the media, particularly from India, it is important to put the event into perspective. The Warrior Exercise Series, which began in 2013, has been conducted annually, albeit with some interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the pandemic. The 2024 exercise marked a return after a gap caused by the global health crisis and the postponement of the 2023 session. Despite these disruptions, the Warrior exercise has remained a vital avenue for both Pakistan and China to engage in joint training, share best practices, and build their operational and technological preparedness in the ever-changing landscape of counter-terrorism.
The Warrior-VIII exercise was designed to enhance both the Pakistan Army and PLA’s operational capabilities in counter-terrorism. The focus of this year’s iteration was on urban warfare and counter-insurgency operations, both of which are critical components of modern military engagements. The two armies engaged in complex simulated scenarios, where they practiced joint tactics for neutralizing terrorist threats and insurgent groups in urban and rural settings. This included close-quarters combat, reconnaissance operations, and the use of advanced military technologies.
The Warrior-VIII exercise saw the participation of specialized elite units from both armies, with instructors and experts providing invaluable insights into the latest tactics and strategies for dealing with global terrorism. It also allowed both armies to exchange technological expertise, a crucial element in modern warfare. For Pakistan, this exercise is part of an ongoing effort to continuously improve its military capabilities, particularly in counter-terrorism operations, where it has developed considerable expertise over the years.
As expected, the Pak-China Joint Warrior-VIII exercise has attracted negative attention from India, with claims from Indian media outlets that China’s participation is part of a broader agenda to protect its citizens in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan.
It is crucial to note that this exercise is not the first of its kind. Pakistan has conducted numerous military exercises with other countries across the world, and cooperation with China, specifically in the realm of counter-terrorism, has been ongoing for over a decade.
Moreover, the claim that China is sending its military to protect its citizens in Pakistan is purely speculative and without merit. The Pakistani military has a longstanding record of successfully defending its citizens and safeguarding its territorial integrity, and has never allowed foreign military forces to operate on its soil.
Pakistan has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most experienced and capable militaries in the world when it comes to counter-terrorism operations. For over two decades, Pakistan has been at the frontline of the global fight against terrorism, and its success in this domain is evident from the numerous operations carried out by the military to dismantle insurgent groups and terrorist networks.
China’s involvement in the Warrior exercise was, therefore, an opportunity for the PLA to learn from Pakistan’s exceptional counter-terrorism experience. The Pakistan Army’s ability to combat well-organized terrorist organizations in rugged terrains and urban areas makes it an invaluable partner for China as it continues to address its own security concerns, particularly with threats from separatist groups in regions like Xinjiang.
A recurring point of contention, particularly with India, is the issue of terrorism and insurgency in Balochistan. It is important to recognize that terrorism and insurgency in Balochistan are not new phenomena. Pakistan has been successfully countering insurgent groups and terrorist organizations in the region for years. Balochistan, due to its strategic importance and natural resources, has attracted the attention of hostile actors, including foreign powers that seek to destabilize Pakistan.
India’s aggressive propaganda against this exercise, specifically its claims about China’s involvement in Balochistan, speaks volumes about its own interests in the region. India has a vested interest in disrupting the stability of Balochistan, given its strategic stakes in the region. By casting doubt on Pakistan-China cooperation, India is attempting to divert attention from its own role in stoking unrest in Balochistan. At the core of India’s unfounded criticism lies a deep-seated discomfort with two responsible nations—Pakistan and China—working together to foster stability and eradicate terrorism. India’s constant meddling in regional affairs and its history of destabilizing neighboring countries reflect its hypocrisy and unwillingness to see peace prevail in the region. The successful collaboration between Pakistan and China stands as a direct challenge to India’s disruptive and destabilizing tactics. Rather than promoting peace, India has consistently sought to inflame tensions and exploit regional instability for its own geopolitical gain.
Rather than being the subject of baseless propaganda, this exercise should be viewed as a positive step towards enhancing international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Pakistan, as a responsible state with a proven track record in counter-terrorism, is contributing significantly to global peace and security.
