Chinese army deploys tens of Type 99A tanks near Taiwan Strait.

In a tweet posted by IntelDrop on September 9, 2023, a significant concentration of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) armored vehicles - including tens of Type 99A tanks - and personnel has reportedly been observed in Fuzhou, a port in close proximity to the Taiwan Strait.
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Chinese Type 99A tanks bound for Fuzhou (Picture source: IntelDrop/Twitter and Chinese social media)

On September 9, 2023, the transit of naval vessels from the United States and Canada through the Taiwan Strait heightened military tensions in the region. China's response to this transit, declaring a state of high alert among its troops, underscores its determination to assert control over the Taiwan Strait and discourage foreign intervention in Taiwan-related matters.

The military convoy sighted in Fuzhou may be linked to this heightened state of alert within the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). However, as of the publication of this article, no further explanation has been provided for this deployment, which has been observed both during daylight and at night.

Taiwan continues to exist in a precarious state, constantly facing the threat of a potential Chinese invasion. China persistently regards Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, creating an enduring security challenge for Taiwan and its allies.

The dynamics of US-Taiwan relations are a pivotal element in this equation. The United States maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan and openly supports Taiwan's right to determine its own future. The naval passage through the Taiwan Strait by U.S. and Canadian vessels serves as a concrete manifestation of this support and reaffirms the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters. However, these actions run the risk of straining US-China relations. This situation has raised international concerns as heightened military activities and tensions in the Taiwan Strait could potentially escalate into a larger conflict with far-reaching global consequences, potentially involving major global powers.

Taiwan's evolving identity, increasingly identifying as Taiwanese rather than Chinese, significantly influences its political stance and policies. The majority of the island's population now identifies as Taiwanese. China's long-term objectives regarding Taiwan have been reiterated by President Xi Jinping, who has emphasized China's commitment to reunifying with Taiwan, even if it necessitates the use of force.

Chinese Type 99A Main Battle Tank (Picture source: Chinese social media)

The Type 99A, also known as the Type 99A2 or ZTZ-99A Main Battle Tank (MBT) is an upgraded iteration of the Type 99 MBT, with development initiated in 1999 and introduction into the Chinese army in 2001. The first Type 99A prototype underwent testing in 2007 and was publicly revealed during a military parade in Beijing in 2015. This tank ranks as a third-generation MBT, representing one of the most advanced tanks within the Chinese armed forces.

Concerning armament, the Type 99A features a 125mm smoothbore gun equipped with a thermal sleeve and fume extractor. The turret houses a carousel automatic loader accommodating a total of 41 rounds, including various types of ammunition such as high-explosive fragmentation and armor-piercing rounds, boasting a reported muzzle velocity of 1780 m/s. Moreover, the Type 99A possesses the capability to launch a laser-guided missile from its primary gun, similar to the Russian-made 9M119M Refleks Anti-Tank Guided Missile, with a maximum range of 5,000 meters.

Regarding design and protection, the Type 99A's layout bears resemblance to Russian main battle tanks. It features all-welded steel armor with upgraded composite armor on the front of both the hull and turret, enhancing protection against anti-tank-guided missiles and rockets. The tank also incorporates Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA), placed at the front and sides of the turret and the front of the hull. For practical purposes, a stowage basket is situated at the rear of the turret.

The Type 99A is propelled by a 1500 horsepower turbocharged diesel engine, coupled with a manual transmission offering seven forward gears and one reverse gear. Its suspension system comprises six rubber-tired road wheels on each side, complemented by hydraulic shock absorbers on select road wheels. This combination enables the tank to achieve a maximum road speed of 80 km/h and a cruising range of 600 kilometers. The cruising range can be extended to 800 kilometers by attaching additional fuel drums to the rear of the hull. The tank demonstrates robust off-road capabilities, capable of handling steep 60% gradients, 30% side slopes, vertical obstacles up to 1.3 meters, and fording waters up to 1 meter deep without prior preparation.

The Type 99A boasts essential accessories and systems, including a snorkel for deep-water fording, enabling it to cross waters up to 4.5 meters deep. The tank's advanced 1A45T Fire Control System incorporates thermal sights, a new ballistic computer, and meteo mast sensors. Furthermore, the tank is equipped with a commander's stabilized 360º day/night panoramic sight, complete with a laser range-finder, while the gunner benefits from a roof-mounted stabilized day/night sight, also equipped with a laser range-finder. To counter Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and enemy optics, the tank features jamming devices, including an infra-red jammer and a laser jamming device mounted on the turret roof.