Beijing, Oct 15: China today expressed hope that the joint military exercises between Pakistan and United States would serve the interest of peace and stability in South Asia.

"This military exercise is carried out in the general backdrop of the fight against terrorism," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhang Qiyue said. "We hope that such activity will serve the interests of peace and stability in South Asia and the world at large," she said.

The three-week long military exercise from today is the first on Pakistani soil after a gap of five years. Dubbed "inspired gambit," the exercises would involve a US infantry company and a Pakistani infantry battalion and would be held in Jhelum and Kharian region in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Bureau Report