The Tiger is widely exported- with many of them sold or transferred as military aid from the Chinese govt across the world, mainly to LEO/internal security forces.

In this case, they're unnarmed, but have a weapon mount. Vehicles of this class normally require export permission. pic.twitter.com/C7uPsHLm3P

— 🇺🇦 Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) June 7, 2023

Officials in the Biden administration were alarmed by the numerous intelligence strands that suggested Beijing may be considering providing Russia with lethal weapons, including artillery and ammunition.

“A Russian military that’s fueled by or aided by a Chinese infusion of weapons and platforms is more lethal militarily and more capable,” a senior administration official said. “That’s not going to be good for the people of Ukraine.”

China responded to US claims that it may give Russia non-lethal military support in its conflict with Ukraine, warning Washington to stay out of its relationship with the Kremlin.

“The US is not qualified to give orders to China,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a regular news briefing. “We will never accept US criticism, even coercion and pressure on China-Russia relations.”

However, the viral visuals showing Tiger APCs with Akhmat forces paint a different picture and will likely put Beijing in a spot.

The vehicle has demonstrated strong defense against the Type 56 Chinese 7.62mm machine gun. In addition, a 12.7mm or 30mm automatic grenade launcher can be mounted on the turret. One armor plate additionally serves as protection for the turret’s front side.

An open-top circular turret on the crew compartment’s front can be added to the Tiger 4×4 APC. When the onboard armament is engaged, the gunner position is fitted with a two-piece hatch that opens on both sides and offers protection.

A Cummins ISDE200-30 Diesel engine producing 200 horsepower at 2,700 RPM powers the Shaanxi Baoji Special Vehicles 4×4 Tiger. With a maximum operational range of 600 kilometers, the Tiger can go at a top road speed of 110 kilometers/hour.

The vehicle can traverse a water depth of 800 mm without preparation and 1.2 meters with preparation, and it can climb a 60% grade while fully loaded.

A self-recovery winch is at the front of the vehicle, and a spare wheel is attached at the back of the infantryman’s compartment. The Shaanxi Baoji Special Vehicles can be outfitted with data transfer systems, searchlights, cameras, night vision gear, and various communication devices.