The two countries have officially begun a joint military exercise, dubbed “Steppe Partner 2026.” More than 600 officers and soldiers of both countries attended the opening ceremony held on Saturday in Inner Mongolia’s autonomous region.

It is the second in a series of “Steppe Partner” exercises between the two allied armies. The main purpose of the drills is to promote bilateral friendship and enhance mutual trust, and to build joint capability to maintain regional peace and stability, the ministry of national defense of China said.

Enhancing Combat Readiness Against Illegal Armed Groups

The main training focus for this year’s combined trainings will be neutralisation and countering illegal armed groups. Throughout the exercise, the participating forces of the People’s Liberation Army and the Armed Forces of the Mongolia will set up a very coordinated joint command.

The troops will actively conduct joint command logistics and coordinated strike exercises under the condition of intense combat scenarios. The special drills are essential for expanding practical military cooperation as well as building the ability of both countries to quickly react to new security threats.

At the completion of the program, both armies want to substantially increase their operational synergy. This strategic partnership is in line with the overall regional security policy that the State Council of the People’s Republic of China and Mongolian defence authorities have consistently made known.