Chinese President’s car arrives in Delhi, drawing attention ahead of the BRICS Summit (Image for Representation)
NEW DELHI: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s official vehicles, including his heavily protected presidential limousine, were transported through Delhi under large black covers ahead of his arrival for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit.
Images and videos of the covered convoy circulating on social media drew widespread attention and curiosity about the practice.
Xi arrived in New Delhi on 12 September to attend the two-day summit. His primary official car is the Hongqi N701, a bespoke armoured limousine produced by the Chinese luxury brand Hongqi (whose name translates to “Red Flag”), part of FAW Group.
The vehicle is reserved for China’s top leadership and is not available to the public. Its detailed technical specifications remain largely undisclosed.
Why Were the Vehicles Covered?
The black covers form part of standard transportation, protection and security protocols followed for official state vehicles during overseas visits. Presidential limousines are typically flown separately to the host country and often arrive before the leader.
Heavy-duty covers or tarpaulins are used while the cars are unloaded from cargo aircraft, moved through airport facilities or transported on flatbed carriers.
These covers help shield the vehicles from dust, rain, sunlight and accidental damage, ensuring they remain in pristine condition until required.
For highly secure state cars, the covering also limits unnecessary public exposure and photography before official deployment.
The covers were removed before Xi began his official movements in Delhi. Similar practices have been observed during previous overseas visits by the Chinese president, including in Malaysia.
About the Hongqi N701
The Hongqi N701 is estimated to measure around 5.5 metres in length and features the brand’s distinctive large grille and red-flag emblem.
Reports describe it as a heavily armoured vehicle equipped with bullet-resistant glass, reinforced bodywork and specialised protection for wheels and tyres.
Hongqi has a long association with China’s political leadership, dating back to its establishment in 1958 as a supplier of official vehicles for senior Communist Party leaders. The N701 continues this tradition as a purpose-built state limousine rather than a commercial model.
The arrival of the covered vehicles underscores the extensive logistical and security arrangements that accompany high-level international visits, particularly during major summits such as BRICS.
While the black covers sparked online speculation, they reflect routine protocols designed to protect specialised state assets during transit rather than any unusual security response in Delhi.
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