China-Mongolia Grassland Partner-2026 Exercise Concludes

China and Mongolia have successfully concluded the “Grassland Partner-2026” joint army training exercise, a biennial military cooperation event that saw over 600 troops from both nations conduct live-fire drills and simulated combat operations at a joint training base in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The closing ceremony on June 6 marked the end of an eight-day exercise designed to strengthen military cooperation and mutual trust between the neighboring countries.

Exercise Overview

The exercise, which opened on May 30, focused on the theme of joint strikes against illegal armed groups. It is the second iteration of the “Grassland Partner” (also known as “Steppe Partner”) series, following the inaugural edition held in Mongolia’s Dornogovi Province in May 2024. This year’s exercise was particularly notable as the first time the joint training has been hosted on Chinese territory, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Chinese participating forces were primarily composed of armored troops from a brigade under the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) 79th Group Army, while both sides deployed motorized infantry battalion-level units with full weapons and equipment. The exercise was overseen by Major General Tang Hailin, Ground Force Commander of the PLA Northern Theater Command, and Major General Ch. Tsogtjargal, Ground Force Commander of the Mongolian Armed Forces.

Live-Fire Demonstration and New Technology

The closing day featured a comprehensive live-fire exercise in the morning, during which Chinese and Mongolian forces conducted joint reconnaissance and coordinated strikes. Tanks and infantry fighting vehicles advanced in tandem across the dusty terrain, while engineer units breached obstacles and artillery, air defense, and assault forces executed synchronized attacks.

A significant highlight was the deployment of advanced Chinese military technologies, including “robot wolves” (unmanned ground vehicles), drones for manned-unmanned coordinated operations, and mechanical exoskeleton equipment. Mongolian troops observed and, in some cases, operated these systems, according to the same Xinhua report. The showcase signals China’s growing emphasis on unmanned systems and future warfare concepts within its military modernization efforts.

Strengthening Bilateral Military Ties

At the opening ceremony on May 30, Major General Ch. Tsogtjargal emphasized the strategic importance of the exercise, stating that it plays a “historically important role in developing the ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ between the two countries, particularly in strengthening defense sector relations, military cooperation, military trust, exchanging field knowledge, and maintaining peace and stability at the regional level,” as reported by the Mongolian news agency Sonin.mn.

Major General Tang Hailin noted that this was the first time the joint field exercise had been organized on Chinese territory, adding that “the relations and cooperation between our two eternal neighbor countries have deep roots and a rich history, and are being further consolidated and strengthened through this joint field exercise,” according to Sonin.mn.

The Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China confirmed that the exercise aimed to “continuously deepen friendship and mutual trust, enhance practical cooperation, and strengthen capabilities of both sides in jointly upholding regional peace and stability.”

Closing Ceremony and Cultural Exchange

The closing ceremony at noon on June 6 featured the national anthems of both countries, with observers presenting commemorative gifts to 60 outstanding soldiers from both sides. During the training period from May 30 to June 5, participating troops conducted multiple rounds of simulated wargaming and live troop combined exercises. Chinese forces demonstrated subjects including chemical defense reconnaissance and decontamination, manned-unmanned coordinated attacks, equipment repair, and battlefield medical evacuation.

Beyond military drills, the exercise included cultural exchange activities such as tug-of-war, basketball competitions, and cultural performances, fostering interpersonal bonds between the troops. Mongolian participating forces are scheduled to complete their withdrawal from China by June 10.

Strategic Implications

The successful completion of Grassland Partner-2026 underscores the institutionalization of military cooperation between China and Mongolia. The biennial format, alternating between host countries, suggests a maturing relationship that could become a regular feature of the regional security landscape. The exercise also occurs against the backdrop of Mongolia’s “third neighbor” foreign policy, which seeks to balance relations with its two giant neighbors—China and Russia—while engaging with Western countries and other Asian powers.

As China continues to modernize its military and deepen ties with neighboring states, exercises like Grassland Partner-2026 serve both operational and diplomatic purposes, demonstrating the PLA’s growing capabilities while reinforcing Beijing’s influence in a strategically located partner nation.