Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on September 12, 2026, in a custom‑built Hongqi limousine for the 18th BRICS Summit. The vehicle stands as a symbol of China’s national pride and top‑level security.

  • Xi Jinping’s arrival in a bespoke Hongqi limousine captured worldwide attention.
  • The Hongqi brand embodies China’s political heritage and modern automotive prowess.
  • The debut coincided with the 18th BRICS Summit, underscoring India‑China diplomatic ties.

Red‑Carpet Reception in Delhi

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, President Xi Jinping rolled into New Delhi in a specially designed Hongqi limousine, a vehicle engineered exclusively for China’s senior leadership. The convoy’s arrival marked the opening of the 18th BRICS Summit.

Hongqi Limousine: A Symbol of National Pride

‘Hongqi’ translates to ‘red flag’ in Chinese, and its emblem mirrors the flag’s shape. Initiated by Mao Zedong in the 1950s to project China’s global stature, the brand has historically served top officials, including Mao and Deng Xiaoping, during the 1960s and 70s.

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Historical Background

After a decline in the 1980s when China shifted focus to more internationally recognized brands, the Hongqi marque has been revived in recent years as part of the country’s push for home‑grown luxury. Today, Hongqi cars are produced by the China FAW Group, delivering 0‑100 km/h acceleration in just eight seconds.

Technical Specs of the Limousine

The vehicle stretches roughly 18 feet in length, 6.5 feet in width, and stands about 5 feet tall, weighing approximately 3,150 kg (6,944 lb). It boasts bullet‑proof glass, run‑flat tires, anti‑jamming systems, and encrypted communications, meeting the highest diplomatic security standards.

Xi’s Preference for Ground Transport

Much like the U.S. President’s “The Beast,” Xi prefers the Hongqi over helicopters, reinforcing China’s “Made in China” narrative and showcasing confidence in domestic engineering.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Xi’s high‑profile use of the Hongqi not only elevates China’s brand value but also sends a strategic signal to India about the depth of bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, and security.

"The Hongqi limousine epitomizes China’s blend of security and sovereign manufacturing prowess," notes international diplomatic analyst Dr. Li Wei.
Did You Know?: The first Hongqi model debuted in 1958 and was the nation’s inaugural passenger car, originally equipped with a simple pedal‑drive system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the Hongqi limousine exclusive to Chinese leaders?
A1: Yes, it is custom‑built for senior Chinese officials and visiting foreign dignitaries.

Q2: What advanced security features does the limousine include?
A2: It features bullet‑proof glass, run‑flat tires, electronic jamming detection, and encrypted communication systems.