It is the second original rifle design conducted by the 205th Armory of Combined Logistics Command of the Republic of China Armed Forces.

Still, the XT86 prototype revealed to the public in 1996 demonstrated several innovative features and significant departure from US influence in firearms design.

[2] Contrary to initial expectations, the ROC Army and Marine Corps did not order T86 carbines in large quantities.

Defense budget priorities during the late 1990s forced the ROC military to delay the replacement of T65K1 and T65K2 assault rifles.

A small quantity of T86 did enter service with the ROC Navy Underwater Demolition Team and underwent rigorous trials in widely varied environmental conditions.

[citation needed] Jordanian royal guards and special troops are reportedly armed with Taiwanese-made T86 carbines.