RAWALPINDI: A two-week long joint training exercise ‘YOUYI 5’ between special forces of China and Pakistan started in Qingtongxia city of China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Tuesday.

According to ISPR, the impressive opening ceremony was attended by senior military officers of special forces of Pakistan and People’s Liberation Army (PLA). National anthems of both countries were played on the occasion.

The joint exercise as part of Year of Friendship 2015 will focus on anti-terrorist operations, hostage and rescue, cordon and search operations.

Take a look: Pak-China military relations to reach unprecedented heights: COAS

The joint exercise will enhance and further streng­then already deep military ties between Pakistan and China.

The YOUYI 5 is being carried out in extreme weather conditions of northern China to impart and share Pakistan Army’s experiences in war against terrorism.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2015