#China

The Chinese state-owned North Industries Group Corporation Limited (Norinco) has developed the NAR CS/LR17, a modular rifle chambered for 7.62x39mm. This rifle is marketed as a next-generation weapon system, drawing inspiration from weapon development efforts initiated during the Global War on Terror, particularly the U.S. Special Operations Command's FN SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) program. Initial prototypes emerged around 2016 and have since undergone significant development. The CS/LR17 is part of the NAR family of next-generation rifles, focusing on modularity and versatility. This series is designed as a modular, multi-caliber system to compete with modern Western rifles in the export market.

The QBZ-191 assault rifle, a pivotal development in modern warfare, was officially showcased during the 70th-anniversary parade of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st, 2019. The strategic importance of this new 191 family of weapon systems, which began developing in 2014-2015, cannot be overstated. The creation of improved ammunition, designated as DBP-191, marked the second attempt to replace the QBZ-95, following the first attempt with the QBZ-03, representing a departure from the bullpup design. The general dissatisfaction with the previous generation of 5.8mm weapons and ammunition prompted another effort to replace the QBZ-95 and enhance its lethality.

The QJY-201, a machine gun with unique features, was publicly unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow in September 2021. It is chambered in 7.62x51 and bears the ammunition type designation DJP-201 which suggests it’s more than an export machine gun. Over the past few years, China has been transitioning from 7.62x54R to 7.62x51 sniper rifles and machine guns.

The QJB-201 is a significant addition to the new series of small arms designed to modernize the Chinese PLA ground forces. It is intended to replace the QJB-95 and QJY-88 light machine guns and is China's response to the US SAW. This new weapon and the QZB-191 family of firearms marks a shift in the PLA infantry structure, a clear sign of the modernization of the PLA forces.

The QJZ-171 large-caliber machine gun is a marvel of engineering, offering a 12.7x108 weapon that bridges the weight gap between medium and heavy machine guns. Surprisingly, it provides a larger caliber in a weapon that weighs as much as a typical general-purpose or medium-machine gun. The QJZ-171, also known as the mountain large-caliber heavy machine gun, is perhaps the lightest .50 caliber machine gun available, weighing only 26.4 lbs (11.9 kg). This weight is nearly the same as the M240 or MAG58, yet it provides a significantly increased range, surpassing the .338 Norma Magnum in range and kinetic energy.