HOHHOT, May 30 (Xinhua) -- China and Mongolia on Saturday launched a joint army training exercise, code-named "Steppe Partner 2026," in north China's Inner Mongolia.

The training focuses on strikes against illegal armed groups. It aims to deepen friendship and mutual trust, enhance practical cooperation, and strengthen the two sides' capabilities to uphold regional peace and stability.

During the training, the two sides are expected to establish a joint command structure and conduct training on joint command and coordinated strike operations in simulated combat scenarios.

More than 600 officers and soldiers from China and Mongolia attended the opening ceremony on Saturday. This is the second exercise in this joint training series between the two armies. ■