China officially deploys new Type 100 tank as race with US over future warfare accelerates

China has officially fielded the Type 100 main battle tank, with the PLA conducting its first confirmed field training exercises with the new platform. The Type 100 is assessed to incorporate active protection systems, unmanned turret options, and AI-assisted fire control, representing a generational leap over the Type 99A. Its deployment signals China's acceleration of armored modernization concurrent with U.S. and allied efforts to field next-generation ground combat systems. The timing aligns with broader PLA restructuring toward multi-domain warfighting.