China, Indonesia hold joint counter-terrorism training

GUANGZHOU -- The opening ceremony for the "Sharp Knife 2026" joint army counter-terrorism training between China and Indonesia was held in South China's Guangdong province on Tuesday.

Following the opening ceremony, troops from both countries are scheduled to begin specialized training in reconnaissance, communications, unmanned systems, sniping and counter-terrorism.

This joint training is a planned military exchange between the two militaries for this year, aimed at improving their combat-oriented training capabilities.

Troops from both sides are organized into mixed groups to jointly conduct specialized sub-training, tactical coordination and comprehensive drills.

The two sides will also engage in thematic seminars, weapon and equipment displays, sports competitions and cultural exchanges.

This joint training focuses on joint counter-terrorism rescue operations in mountainous regions, involving mountain climbing, special vehicles driving, helicopter rappelling, close-range assault, and coordinated operations between manned and unmanned systems, according to an earlier statement issued by China's defense ministry.

The statement noted that the joint training, as the third edition of this series, will help further deepen practical exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries and enhance both sides' joint operational capabilities.

The joint training is scheduled to run until early November, the statement added.