Designed to replace the Raven in the role of spotting for Arrow IV equipped mechs, the Shan Zi(dice) complements the Chang Gong by tagging its targets to death.

Ceres Metals needed to design a cheap light mech capable to undertaking fast recon missions as well as spotting for the Chang Gong Arrow IV system.
They finally decided on a 20 ton light mech, capable of 150 kph per hour, comparable to the speed of a Clan Dasher, but without the expensive XL engine.
Ferro-fibrous armor and endo steel were used in the mech, despite their cost, as there was no other way the mech could have carried the Apple Churchill TAG laser and some offensive weaponry.
The result was a fast light mech, well armoured for itrs size, and with a substantial punch of its own with its Diverse Optics ER laser. While it does not have the heavy electronic warfare capabilities of the Raven, its speed more than amply makes up for the lack of ECM.

A raid by Capellan March forces in 3067 on Capella found the Davion troops surprised by the sudden emergence of Shan-Zi and Chang Gong artillery teams, a last ditch attempt by Liao commanders to protect the factories. Faced with a deluge of Arrow IV missiles raining from the sky, the Davion mechs quickly tried to retreat, only to find their way back to their dropships blocked by FASCAM rounds delivered by the Arrow missiles.

Deployed according to Chancellor Liao's orders, Shan Zis have been assigned to Home Guard units along with the new Chang Gong artillery mechs. The Home Guard units are finding the new mechs a boon, as they enable pilots to train in spotting and artillery tactics, which are often useful against pirates and raiding units.
Also seen in the Magistracy of Canopus and the Taurian Concordat, the Shan Zi are likely to become the backbone of House Liao's light mech corps in the future.