China needs two kinds of tanks. Heavy tanks for the north and light tanks for the south. So you get the current distribution. The light tank design had fallen way behind, and that border is more unstable, so you got the Type 15. The northern border is pretty much safe, so this explains why no rush to upgrade the heavy tanks. The Type 96 had several upgrades though, even had some export success as VT-4 to Pakistan and Thailand.
I would design a new tank with 130mm gun featuring an autoloader. Gun and ammo could likely be adapted from naval rounds. Crew would be located in the hull with a robotic turret like in the Armata.
I would design a new tank with 130mm gun featuring an autoloader. Gun and ammo could likely be adapted from naval rounds. Crew would be located in the hull with a robotic turret like in the Armata.