China, Pakistan launch first-ever joint army exercise Karakoram 2026 in Xinjiang

China and Pakistan began their first-ever joint army training exercise, Karakoram 2026, with an opening ceremony in Korla, Xinjiang. This marks a new milestone in bilateral military cooperation, expanding beyond previous naval and air drills. The exercise signals deepening defense ties amid regional security dynamics, though its scale and duration remain undisclosed.