There are several US weapons stolen by China. Actually, some of the most advanced weapons from the United States have been entirely copied.
And China has been spying on the US for decades to get its technology and make a Chinese version of the cutting-edge American weapons.
Cyber-attacks or spying from satellites are just some of the tactics China regularly uses to gain an edge over its rivals. The US is its preferred victim when stealing sensitive military information.
1. CQ Rifle: A reversed-engineered M-16 (AR-15)
The CQ is a Norinco-manufactured semi-automatic rifle patterned after the famous M16 or AR-15 – and it is one of the most popular weapons in China.
It has been exported to many countries worldwide at a lower price than its American counterpart. But, it has some differences after all.
The CQ has a distinctive handguard and stock and a unique curved pistol grip.
Up close and personal with our AR-15 Black Nitride BCG! 🔥🔥🔥 @AZWS pic.twitter.com/WZ8tiUn7ef
— Rise Armament (@RiseArmament) June 13, 2022
Despite these differences, the CQ remains a close clone of the M16 and is popular among shooters looking for an affordable alternative to the expensive, polemical and deadly American rifle.
2. Z-20 Helicopter: The Chinese version of the Black Hawk
Harbin Z-20 medium lift utility helicopter joined #PLA last year. Its capable of carrying 10 tonnes with operational altitude of 13,000 ft. Something to keep an eye on as we will be moving towards East. pic.twitter.com/aalXg061Tz
— ST (@aviation07101) May 13, 2020
The Z-20 is one of the top weapons stolen by China. It is a utility helicopter developed by AVIC Harbin Aircraft Industry for the People’s Liberation Army.
The helicopter is based on the UH-60 Black Hawk and is considered a direct copy of the American design. The first Z-20 prototype took flight in 2013… and since 2019, is an integral part of the Chinese military.
While the exact capabilities of the Z-20 are unknown, it is assumed to be similar to the Black Hawk in terms of performance and payload capacity… And it’s very unlikely that it can surpass the original helicopter in technology and performance.
The Z-20 is powered by two turboshaft engines and is equipped with modern avionics and sensors. It can operate at high altitudes and in hot weather conditions and can be armed with various external stores.
3. Dongfeng EQ2050 Mengshi: The Chinese copy of the Humvee
With the Dongfeng EQ2050 Mengshi, it’s clear that China is serious about spying on American technology.
The EQ2050 is a direct copy of the Humvee, right down to the square body and wide stance. Even the interior is identical, with the same dashboard layout and controls.
However, there are some differences between the two vehicles. The most crucial difference is that the Dongfeng is cheaper than a Humvee. It costs around $93,000 when the original has a unit costs of $254,717.
But despite these minor differences, it’s evident that the EQ2050 is a plain copy of the iconic American military SUV.
4. Type 052D Destroyer: The Chinese Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer
The People’s Liberation Army Navy operates a wide variety of vessels. One of the most advanced ships is the Type 052D destroyer.
The Type 052D is a guided-missile destroyer that was designed to take on a wide range of missions, from air defense and anti-submarine warfare to surface warfare and land attack.
The warship is equipped with an array of powerful weapons, including long-range missiles, torpedoes, and guns. It is so good because it is wholly modeled on the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, one of the most heavily armed ships in service worldwide.
There are more weapons stolen by China… But the US is a step ahead in technology
The Chinese military developers often have to wait for the United States to create a new weapon and then copy it. At least, it gives the U.S. military industry several years of developmental advantage over China – and this is a competitive advantage that the U.S. could use to its own benefit in the event of war.
However, all the weapons stolen by China are fully functional, and a good part of the American research and development goes directly to China.
Featured image credit: HH-60 BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER FLIGHT by Austin Berner. Public Domain.
