The AK was a failed effort by Norinco to update the Type 85IIIM to the Type 90II. The PLA wasn't interested with the last of the Type 59 derivitives and instead focused on the T-72 style Type 98 family. Norinco then looked to sell the design via export and found a willing customer in Pakistan.
Matador hate to break it to you but if the ZTZ-99 meats any of the true MBT's in combat its dead. The Best tank made in Asia is the SK2 MBT with its ceramic armor, state of the art (western vs eastern) firecontrol and drive train and leathal 120mm L/55. The Best tank in Asia is the M1A2SEP with the unstopable M829A3 and new ratheyon Block II thermal vision and force 21 battle management system.
Matador hate to break it to you but if the ZTZ-99 meats any of the true MBT's in combat its dead. The Best tank made in Asia is the SK2 MBT with its ceramic armor, state of the art (western vs eastern) firecontrol and drive train and leathal 120mm L/55. The Best tank in Asia is the M1A2SEP with the unstopable M829A3 and new ratheyon Block II thermal vision and force 21 battle management system.