Its development lasted for more than ten years before it was set aside, ultimately proving too technical to be brought into production.

During the 1960s and 70s, in what became known as the Sino-Soviet split, the relationship between China and the Soviet Union became extremely tense.

[1][2] The vehicle was 8.53 m (28.0 ft) long, including its gun, and by 1973 weighed 22.5 t (24.8 short tons).

[3] It had a power-to-weight ratio of 18 kW/t and was capable of achieving a speed of 65 km/h (40 mph) on road, with a range of 500 km (310 mi).

[2] Towards the end stage of development, the WZ-132 incorporated a new fire control system including a ballistic computer and a two-plane stabilizer, as well as an image intensifier and laser rangefinder for the gunner.