On December 11, 2024, the Pakistan Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army concluded their three-week joint military exercise, Warrior-VIII, focused on counter-terrorism operations. Pakistan and China share a robust military partnership, defined by long-standing cooperation in defense production, technology, and training. As Pakistan’s largest defense supplier, China provides advanced weaponry, such as fighter jets and submarines. The two nations frequently collaborate through joint military exercises, counter-terrorism efforts, and regional security initiatives. This year marked the eighth edition of the exercise, which is conducted annually as part of their ongoing bilateral military cooperation. The Exercise Warrior-VIII was a three-week-long counter-terrorism drill held in Pabbi, Nowshera district. The exercise aimed to enhance professional skills through joint training and strengthened the historic military ties between the two nations, often described as iron-clad brothers.
The Exercise Warrior-VIII took place against the backdrop of a surge in attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, sponsored by hostile intelligence agencies and carried out by terrorist groups intent on disrupting and destabilizing the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. This exercise underscored the growing importance of enhanced Pakistan-China military cooperation in ensuring the security of critical infrastructure and personnel associated with CPEC. In particular, the joint counter-terrorism training demonstrated the resolve of both nations to confront these threats and safeguard their strategic interests.
The timing of Exercise Warrior-VIII is also being interpreted as a setback for India, especially given the lack of any substantial progress in resolving border disputes with China. Indian media outlets have frequently focused on safety concerns for Chinese nationals in Pakistan, often exaggerating isolated incidents involving attacks on Chinese individuals or CPEC-related projects. These reports aim to amplify perceptions of instability and insecurity. However, such narratives overlook significant security measures that have been implemented by Pakistan. The dedicated CPEC Security Division, consisting of over 15,000 personnel, has greatly enhanced the security environment for Chinese nationals and projects within Pakistan.
This increased military collaboration between Pakistan and China, highlighted by Exercise Warrior-VIII, serves as a clear message of resilience and mutual support in the face of external efforts to undermine regional development and cooperation. The deepening defense ties between the two countries not only fortify their strategic partnership but also ensure that projects like CPEC continue to progress without disruption, despite the challenges posed by hostile actors.
India’s efforts to undermine the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have included supporting insurgent groups in Balochistan to disrupt key infrastructure projects. In 2016, Pakistan apprehended Kulbhushan Yadav, an agent of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), who confessed to orchestrating and sponsoring Baloch separatist activities aimed at sabotaging CPEC initiatives. These efforts highlight a broader strategy by India to destabilize Pakistan’s internal security and impede the progress of CPEC.
In addition to direct interference, Indian analysts frequently portray CPEC as a “debt trap” for Pakistan, citing exaggerated figures about the country’s external debt obligations. However, according to the State Bank of Pakistan’s 2023 report, debt related to CPEC projects accounts for only about 10% of Pakistan’s total external debt. This misinformation is part of a larger narrative designed to discredit CPEC’s potential and undermine its strategic significance for Pakistan’s development.
Contrary to these claims, several CPEC projects are already yielding substantial economic benefits. Projects such as the Gwadar Port and the Thar Coal Power Plant are contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth by addressing critical infrastructure needs and reducing the country’s energy deficit. For instance, the Thar Coal Power Plant has played a key role in alleviating energy shortages, while Gwadar Port is enhancing trade capacity and positioning Pakistan as a regional hub for commerce. These positive developments are often deliberately downplayed or misrepresented by Indian information campaigns.
Moreover, India’s disinformation efforts are not confined to traditional media but extend to the digital sphere. Indian-backed Social Media Networks (SMNs) have been identified as key players in spreading misinformation about CPEC. A 2020 report by the European Union DisinfoLab uncovered a massive network of fake websites and social media accounts dedicated to promoting anti-Pakistan narratives. This network worked to undermine Pakistan-China relations by amplifying negative and misleading content about CPEC projects, aiming to create doubts and suspicion among both Pakistani and international audiences.
These coordinated efforts underscore a systematic approach to discrediting CPEC and destabilizing Pakistan’s development trajectory. Nevertheless, Pakistan and China’s continued cooperation and commitment to the success of CPEC highlight the resilience of their strategic partnership, despite persistent attempts to disrupt progress. However, claims of deteriorating Pakistan-China relations are misleading and often driven by external political agendas. Propaganda aimed at creating discord between the two nations, primarily spread by hostile actors, should be viewed with skepticism. These attempts to undermine their mutual trust and cooperation are unlikely to succeed, as both countries remain committed to strengthening their strategic partnership.
The “iron-clad” bond between Pakistan and China is rooted in decades of mutual respect, shared interests, and economic collaboration. Their commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, remains unwavering. The recent announcement of US$ 35 billion in new CPEC investments underscores their dedication to long-term development and mutual prosperity, despite external disruptions. Collaboration extends beyond economic initiatives to defense, technology, and counter-terrorism. Joint military exercises like Warrior-VIII highlight their unified stance against regional instability. This enduring partnership ensures that projects like CPEC will continue to drive economic growth and regional connectivity, impervious to misinformation or attempts to create division.
