[1] The WZ-523 was unveiled at a military parade in Beijing in October 1984, gaining the NATO designation M1984,[2] although it was destined for export and did not enter large scale service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

[4][5] WZ-523 project was then refocused for export effort and did not enter large scale service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

[8] The People's Liberation Army has deployed the WZ-523 primarily for reconnaissance purposes, and for specialized tasks involving artillery and combat support units.

[10] WZ-523s have relatively good range and payload, and may seat up to ten passengers who enter and debus from a single door in the rear hull.

[2] It is fully amphibious once this vane is raised, being propelled at speeds of up to 7 km by two water jets at the rear.