Chinese and Pakistani troops concluded their eight-day anti-terrorism joint drill yesterday in the mountainous area of northern Pakistan's Abbottabad.

The exercise, code-named "Friendship-2006," was described by Chinese military analysts as "showing China's determination in co-operating with other countries to cope with increasing non-traditional threats."

The "anti-terror operation in mountainous terrain," included command post exercises, and troop exercises involving raids, ambushes, searches and annihilation, according to a Xinhua report.

Both forces took part in special operations against isolated terrorists bases, using digital reconnaissance equipment and armed helicopters to smash their hideouts and their ammunition depots.

With the participation of hundreds of army officers and soldiers from both sides, the military exercise included two phases: weapons and expertise display, and the command and exercise of troops.

The operation has demonstrated the resolution of both countries in fighting against terrorism, and will help enhance communications and understanding between the two armies in anti-terror operations to safeguard regional peace and stability, said Lieutenant General Lu Dengming, who led the Chinese observation delegation.

Lieutenant General Tariq Majeed, head of the Paktisani observation delegation, was quoted by Xinhua as saying the exercise was well co-ordinated and conducted, and both sides shared and benefited from the skills and expertise of each other.

The counter-terrorism manoeuvers were held against a background that China is facing increasing non-traditional security threats, such as terrorism, according to Major General Peng Guangqian, who is a senior researcher with the Chinese Academy of Military Studies.

The fight against terrorism can only be achieved through multi-national co-operation, said Peng, noting that China's military advocates "common security and mutual safety" by seeking co-operation with armies of other countries.

The joint exercise does not target any third party and does not impair the interests of other countries, he said.

The operation, held two weeks after President Hu Jintao's state visit to Pakistan, was part of activities celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Pakistani diplomatic relations.

It is the second time the two countries have conducted a joint exercise. In August 2004, China and Pakistan held an anti-terrorism military operation in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Pakistan, a key ally in the US-led war on terrorism, is fighting against al-Qaida-linked militants hiding in areas bordering Afghanistan,

China has also waged strikes against "three evil forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism" that pose a grave threat to peace, stability and security in its Northwestern areas, including Xinjiang, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In recent years, China has pushed its co-operation with other countries in fighting against terrorism. Since 2002, it has held joint anti-terror exercises with members of the Shanghai Co-operation Organization, including Kirgizstan, Russia, Kazakstan and Tajikistan.