While fielding the ‘bullpup’ Type 95 5.8mm assault rifle, the PLA continued to develop a conventional layout 5.8mm assault rifle as a backup. The rifle, developed in parallel with the Type 95, was originally known as Type 95A (QBZ95A). The rifle design was finalised in December 2003 and the weapon was officially designated Type 03. The rifle appears to be remotely associated to the cancelled Type 87 5.8mm rifle introduced in the late 1980s, but with extensive modifications both internally and externally. The Type 03 rifle fires the DBP87 5.8 X 42mm cartridge, and has a unique funnel-shape flash hider.

虽然装备‘无托’（bullpup）95式5.8毫米突击步枪，PLA发展一种传统设计的5.8毫米突击步枪当做一个后备。在与95式平行发展的步枪，最初了解被称为95A式（QBZ95A）。步枪设计在2003年12月结束和武器被正式地指定03式。步枪似乎略微关联到在1980年后期取消的87式5.8毫米步枪，但是在内部和外表两方面广泛的修改。03式步枪射击DBP87 5.8X42毫米弹药，而且有一个独特的漏斗-形消焰器。