During the 1960s and 70s, there was a global surge of interest in machine pistols. At the time, the PLA’s standardissue Type 54 (TT-33) was deemed insufficient for providing self defense firepower for frontline commanders. Consequently, development of the Type 80 machine pistol began in the 1970s.

Because China was relatively isolated at the time, designers had limited exposure to modern Western firearms. However, the Mauser C96 had a massive footprint in China during WWII. It is said that senior decorated generals veterans of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression,provided direct input on the project. Having relied on the Mauser for decades, their influence ensured the Type 80 became, in many ways, a modernized evolution of the Mauser M712 Schnellfeuer.

Ultimately, the machine pistol concept failed to gain traction within the military. Despite its unique heritage, the Type 80 was never officially adopted for mass service.