Chinese and Pakistani fighters participate in a joint drill in China, Sept. 20, 2017. The Chinese and Pakistani air forces have cooperated in planning and implementing strategies, as well as learning operational concepts and tactics from each other through sitting in the same fighter during the ongoing joint drills named "Shaheen VI" from Sept. 7 to 27.[Photo: Xinhua]

The air forces of China and Pakistan have deterred terrorist forces with joint training exercises in northwest China, a senior military officer said on Monday.

The drills maintain national security and protect people of the two countries, Zhan Houshun, air force commander of the Western Theater Command, said at the close of the exercises.

"Shaheen VI" began on Sept. 7 and has been fully open to media for the first time.

China dispatched J-11 fighters, JH-7 fighter-bombers, KJ-200 AWACS aircraft and ground forces including surface-to-air missile and radar troops, while Pakistan has sent JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and early warning aircraft to join the exercise.

The "Shaheen" joint training was launched in March 2011.