New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS): The Indian and Chinese armies Tuesday began a joint exercise in China, with a total of about 320 soldiers taking part to enhance their counter-terrorism skills.

According to an official statement, the joint training exercise "Hand in Hand" is taking place south of Chengdu in Sichuan province.

The exercise was declared open by Lt Gen Yung Jin Shan in the presence of Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia, leader of the Indian Army observer group.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Shan said that such exercises will promote exchanges and communication between the two countries.

He said terrorism was a global challenge and China and India face similar threats.

The exercise, he said, was designed to exchange and consolidate tactical skills and enhance mutual understanding and trust.

Lt Gen Bhatia said the exercise was a perfect beginning for renewed bilateral cooperation and friendship.

"We intent learning the best practices of each other which would be mutually beneficial for both the armies," he said.

The joint training exercise will witness the participation from about 160 soldiers of 16 Sikh Light Infantry of the Indian Army and a similar strength of 1st Battalion Infantry Division of People's Liberation Army.

On the occasion, the Indian contingent displayed the Punjabi Gatka martial art.

The statement said the exercise was one of the major ongoing bilateral defence cooperation endeavours between the two countries and was the third in the series.

The first joint exercise between the two armies was held at Kunming in China in December 2007 and the second at Belgaum in India in November 2008.