Xi Jinping's Hongqi N701: Fortified State Vehicle

Xi Jinping's Hongqi N701 is a state vehicle with a security system that rivals the Parthenon's defenses. The N701 has anti-ambush mechanisms and a classified air filtration system. And it conceals itself so thoroughly that it obscures foreign intelligence analysis.

The N701 is a mobility fortress designed for China's top leaders

China's Hongqi, meaning Red Flag, has been a state automaker for decades. Its Hongqi N701 is not a commercial vehicle — it's built for China's top leadership exclusively. It is the 18-foot stronghold, with classified armor plating and bulletproof walls. The vehicle relies on run-flat tires, which keep it mobile even if the tires are destroyed. This luxury vehicle has a primary function — to preserve the president's life. According to its creators, "the car must also survive a multi-stage ambush." Those are the kind of situations in which the vehicle must be secure. From the early days of Hongqi's origin, the automaker specialized in producing luxury vehicles. The term, ‘Hongqi’ itself signifies the Red Flag, which is a symbol of political leadership in China. The N701 is the top of the state automaker's lineup. In Hongqi's design, the car is a major security risk. Uniquely, only one person who has worked at the automaker can confirm the structure of the N701. Though the automaker has never released the exact details of the vehicle, the Chinese government has some control over the production of the N701.

Leadership Secrecy and Surveillance

The N701 is part of a worldwide trend of governments investing in heavily fortified vehicles for their leaders. Chinese officials make security a top priority, especially given the constant threat of political instability and international conflict. Chinese automaker Hongqi specializes in creating luxurious vehicles exclusively for China's top leadership. This is a significant responsibility, but it’s also an opportunity for Chinese engineers to demonstrate their capabilities. Hongqi has supplied China's leadership with sophisticated vehicles since the 1950s. The N701, being their latest creation, is a testament to the brand’s evolution and expertise in crafting vehicles designed specifically for state leadership.

Chemical warfare defenses for Xi

Hongqi has built an air compression system to handle chemical warfare. In the event of a chemical threat, the system seals the cabin and filters incoming air. This contributes to the compartmentalized level of security. The secrecy of the vehicle’s security system is so tight that even the air filtration system is not disclosed. According to the Hongqi response to a question from a viewer, the car's tires are designed to withstand bullets and other types of damage. The vehicle is shrouded in mystery. Chemical warfare tactics have evolved over the last 100 years. The Hongqi’s use of air protection is reminiscent of World War I Germany's use of mustard gas. During World War II, the Japanese Army spread inappropriate propaganda about American biological weapons. Despite these examples, modern armies have not used chemical warfare effectively.

Informational defense: Anonymity

Hongqi's approach to informational defense needs a unique explanation. Its secrecy is part of the design. When transported internationally, the N701 is completely hidden under black covers. A former Hongqi worker said: "This strict secrecy blinds foreign intelligence from analyzing its antennas, sensors, and armor." The N701 is ultimately a moving piece of sovereign Chinese territory, a classified security system wrapped in luxury.

The Hongqi N701 protects from a multi-stage ambush

The N701 is a fortification designed to protect the president even in the event of a multi-stage ambush. Its run-flat tires allow the president to escape even if the wheels are damaged. This car's protection is not a one-time event. The car can move even if there is a fire, and even if the windows are shattered.

Luxury technology

Its point of origin is China’s historic state automaker, Hongqi, and it is exclusively for the country’s top leadership. Right now, citizens of China can see the state vehicle's luxury features, such as the armored steel exterior and bulletproof windows. But for the average person, the N701’s other security features are a mystery. When it comes to design, power, and luxury, the Hongqi N701 is the car of choice to protect the leader of the world’s most powerful country. The N701’s production contains elements from earlier Hongqi vehicles. The use of the N701 at the Beijing Olympics also suggests it is the automaker’s primary state vehicle.

A Mysterious Private Automotive Project

Despite the N701's secretive nature, there are private defense startups currently innovating at this extreme level of vehicle protection.

The N701 experience

Visitors to Beijing Love "Gifts for Xi Jinping’s Hongqi N701 and if you can get your hands on one, will be able to expose the legendary vehicle’s top speed. The luxurious vehicle’s speed is only one example of its luxury features: is known to be also the "motorcade" which typically includes a number of cars. Viewers particularly appreciate its sophisticated escort and the stunning appearance of the vehicle.