Why were Xi Jinping’s cars covered in black ahead of his Delhi arrival? The secretive Hongqi N701 explained
PTC Web Desk: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in Delhi for the BRICS summit has brought attention to an unusual sight on the capital’s roads. His official vehicles being moved under large black covers.
Photos and videos of the covered cars have surfaced on social media, with many people wondering what was being transported and why the vehicles were kept hidden.
The cars are believed to include Xi’s heavily protected presidential limousine, the Hongqi N701. The vehicle is normally transported ahead of the Chinese president during important overseas visits so that it is ready for use when he arrives.
Why were the cars covered?
The black covers are mainly linked to security and transportation arrangements. Presidential vehicles are often transported separately from their leaders and may arrive in the host country before the official delegation. During movement from airports and cargo facilities, the vehicles can be placed under heavy covers to protect them from dust, rain, sunlight and possible damage.
For highly protected state vehicles, keeping them covered also reduces unnecessary public exposure and limits photographs of the car before it is officially used.
In Xi’s case, the covered convoy appears to have been part of the preparations for his visit rather than something related to his arrival in Delhi itself.
The interest, however, is understandable because one of the vehicles believed to be under the covers is the little-known Hongqi N701.
What is the Hongqi N701?
The Hongqi N701 is a specially built limousine associated with China’s top leadership. It is made by Hongqi, a Chinese luxury carmaker whose name means “Red Flag”.
Unlike regular luxury cars, the N701 is not widely available to the public. Very little is officially known about its specifications, with details of its protection and technology kept largely secret.
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The limousine is estimated to be about 5.5 metres long and has the large front grille and red flag emblem commonly associated with Hongqi.
The vehicle is believed to have extensive armour protection, including bullet-resistant glass and reinforced bodywork. Reports have also claimed that it offers protection against explosive and chemical threats, although such details have not been officially confirmed.
Some reports have linked the N701 to a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing around 408 horsepower. However, its exact technical specifications remain undisclosed.
Xi has taken the limousine abroad before
The Hongqi N701 has been spotted during Xi Jinping’s previous international trips. The vehicle has accompanied him on visits to countries and territories, including Russia, the US, Egypt and Hong Kong. Each appearance has attracted attention because of the car’s imposing size and the secrecy surrounding its security features.
Using the N701 overseas also reflects China’s preference for providing its president with a domestically produced state vehicle instead of relying on a foreign luxury car.
Hongqi has a long history of association with China’s political leadership. Founded in 1958, the company has since developed into a wider luxury automobile brand, but its connection with the Chinese state remains strong.
Putin’s armoured limousine also in Delhi
Xi Jinping’s Hongqi is not the only presidential limousine attracting attention during the BRICS summit.
Russian President Vladimr Putin has also brought his Aurus Senat, a heavily armoured limousine developed for Russia’s top leadership.
The Aurus has earlier drawn attention during Putin’s visits to India. During his latest visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen travelling with Putin in the Russian president’s armoured vehicle.
With both Xi and Putin bringing their highly protected state cars to Delhi, the BRICS summit has turned the capital into a showcase of some of the world’s most secretive presidential vehicles.
- With inputs from agencies
