Well, people say that US have 8000 abrams, but it cost a lot to maintain such a fleet of tank. The 1st and 2nd generation of tanks in China is more like a mobile artillery that would provide more protection than IFV. I think investing in Airforce and Navy is the main priority as you want to denied enemy from landing and use air power to support 1st generation to modern tank.
For open land warfare, any direct hit from modern AT weaponry and air support will effectively mission kill a MBT. The advance of active defense (ARENA), BMP-3 turret and SPRUT-SD, are making it seem like the IFV are better suited for modern warfare and making MBT obsolete. However in situation like prolonged fighting and urban combat, MBT still have its value in it. Remember IFV have thin armor and in modern warfare, a 30MM cannon and HMG is sufficient to deal with it. Active defense does not protect IFV from smaller caliber fire.
People think tanks are cumbersome and cannot fire at highly elevated target in urban warfare, but in my opinion this is not the case. For urban warfare, you always need infantry support. With MBT's thick armor, it can take a lot of punishment and draw fire away from infantry. I think it is the tanks turret concept that needs upgrade. With the concept of BMPT, I would say it would be a fearsome urban monster.
I always wonder why Russia did not toy with the idea of having a BMP-3 style turret with a high velocity cannon (since it is heavier than ifv) you have a rapid fire 30mm cannon and a big cannon which is better than BMPT