The opening ceremony for the "Sharp Knife 2026" joint army counter-terrorism training between China and Indonesia was held in south China's Guangdong Province on Tuesday.
Following the opening ceremony, troops from both countries are scheduled to begin specialized training in reconnaissance, communications, unmanned systems, sniping and counter-terrorism.
This joint training is a planned military exchange between the two militaries for this year, aimed at improving their combat-oriented training capabilities.
The two sides will also engage in thematic seminars, weapon and equipment displays, sports competitions and cultural exchanges.
This joint training focuses on joint counter-terrorism rescue operations in mountainous regions, involving mountain climbing, special vehicles driving, helicopter rappelling, close-range assault, and coordinated operations between manned and unmanned systems, according to an earlier statement issued by China's defense ministry.
The statement noted that the joint training, as the third edition of this series, will help further deepen practical exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries and enhance both sides' joint operational capabilities.
The joint training is scheduled to run until early November, the statement added.
China, Indonesia holds joint counter-terrorism training
With the red leaves at their best viewing season of the year, photographers and day-trippers are filling the trails and viewing platforms at the Guangwu Mountains in Nanjiang County of southwest China's Sichuan Provinceand.
The Guangwu Mountains are well known for their layered ridges, drifting clouds and slopes that turn red in waves.
The mountains' foliage zone runs from 1,000 to 2,500 meters above sea level and supports 303 species of autumn-color plants across 48 families.
As temperatures shift with elevation, the foliage changes color in stages, moving up the mountains over the season rather than appearing all at once.
"I'd long heard that the Guangwu Mountains are reputed for its red leaves, so this year I made a point of coming with friends from other parts of China. Seeing the mountains covered in red leaves in person is truly stunning. Every step brings a new view, and the mist paired with the red leaves makes it feel like walking into a painting," said Xiong Duyu, a visitor.
The red leaves viewing season has been good for business too. As visitor numbers are climbing, homestays and farm restaurants around the scenic area are seeing a surge in bookings.
Local authorities have been making efforts to move tourism beyond sightseeing toward a fuller experience covering food, lodging, shopping and entertainment.
Red leaves bring crowds to scenic mountains in southwest China's Sichuan
