The ZBD04 is a modern mechanized infantry combat vehicle of Chinese origin. In the 1990's China started the development of a more modern vehicle to replace the older ZBD86, which was derived from the Soviet BMP-1. The ZBD04 has its roots in the ZBD97 prototype vehicle, which in turn is a based on well armed Soviet BMP-3.

At a glance the ZBD04 looks similar to the Soviet BMP-3 since both vehicles share the same turret. However, the hull of the ZBD04 has a very different layout, making it a more capable infantry carrier. The engine is located at the front right and the drive is seated on the left. The turret is located in the middle and crew compartment is located at the rear. Roof hatches and a rear door allows the 7 infantrymen to enter and exit the vehicle.

The ZBD04 is well armed with its 100mm cannon and coaxial 30mm autocannon and 7.62mm machine gun. The 100mm main gun can fire HE-Frag shells and may launch anti-tank guided missiles. Since it is stabilized it may fire on the move. For the 30mm autocannon a total of 500 rounds of AP-T and HEI-T are carried. Since the layout differs from the BMP-3 the ZBD04 has no hull mounted machine guns.

For a mechanized infantry combat vehicle the ZBD04 is somewhat vulnerable. The steel turret and aluminum hull provide protection from small arms fire and shell splinters. The armor may also be resistant to heavy machine gun fire over the frontal arc. Smoke grenade dischargers are fitted to the turret sides and a NBC protection system is present.

The tracked chassis provides the ZBD04 with good mobility on roads and in the field. The diesel engine allows for a maximum road speed of 65 km/h. The ZBD04 is amphibious and is propelled by two water jets at a speed of up 20 km/h.

The ZBD04 is in Chinese service and is used by the army. The marines acquired the ZBD05 which has a sea going ability. The ZBD04 is no longer produced for Chinese forces, since the army acquires the better armored but non-amphibious ZBD04A. The ZBD04 remains available for export.