In 2008 it was revealed that China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) had started to market a new 8×8 wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) called the VN1. The vehicle was unveiled for the first time to the public during the Defense Exhibition IDEX in 2009.

The ST1 is fitted with a two-man turret armed with a NATO standard 105mm tank gun able to fire a full range of ammunition as APFSDS (Armor-Piercing, Fin-Stabilized, Discarding Sabot), HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank ), HE (High Explosive) and gun-launched missile. A 7.62 mm machine gun is mounted coaxially to the right of the main armament and one 12.7mm machine gun is mounted on the right of turret roof for anti-aircraft defence. Three smoke grenade dischargers are mounted on each side of the turret.

The ST1 is fitted with latest technologies of stabilized firing system with thermal images to perform firing at night and day conditions against mobile or static targets.

A single door is mounted at the rear of the vehicle which is fitted with a small bulletproof window.