Combat aircraft, pilots and technicians of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) are taking part in the joint exercises codenamed "Shaheen-1", Geo News reported.

This is the first time that an air force contingent from China is participating in a military exercise in Pakistan.

The exercises have been designed to share mutual experiences, hone professional skills and get maximum benefit from the expertise of the two troops, the report said.

The visit also coincides with the year 2011 being celebrated as the "Year of Pakistan-China Friendship".