I am sure J-8II can perform something, but between that and Su-35, I'll take Su-35 any day, and I'll rather see 24 Su-35 in service, replacing 48 J-8II in service.
Nobody question Su-35 between J-8II but trying to dismiss J-8II as hopeless is dangerous. I will take 64 J-8II vs 24 Su-35 anyday. J-8II that carry domestic PL-12 BVRAAM is potent. Su35 can only fires R-77. If R-77 is such wonder missile. Why PLAAF develops a BVRAAM totally different from R-77(Aerodynamic) which they are familiar with when received from Russia together with Su-30MKK?? Plus Su-35 is not able to datalink with domestic AWACS while J-8II can.
Besides, China has only a small number of J-8II, thus the whole J-8 fleet is not good enough for modern warfare. When I count PLAAF fighters, I never count J-7 or J-8. I start from Su-27 and onwards, lol. So even though J-8II might be good, it is a small numbers compared to a total number of J-8 in service.
So we agree (more or less), you could keep some J-8II in service, but there is no doubt that a huge majority of J-8 shouldn't be counted on for modern warfare.
So if PLAAF is using 1 RMB on those early J-8 versions, it is in my opinion, total waste of money.
They are estimate more than 240 J-8II in service. Not small number. All J-8I retired but J-8II are still highly value by PLAAF. Check out the how many type of ammunition J-8II can fired. It can be deadly.
I hope you are right regarding J-7 role. Still, China should produce more advanced trainers along the level of Yak-130, which Russians have. So either way, J-7 should prepare to go to grave yard.
L-15 is already on mass production and will enter service this year end.
There are no SE countries besides The Phillippines and Vietnam that China has issues with. While "Improved Ming" might deter the crazy ones in Manila, it will not be able to deter Vietnamese Improved Kilo-class subs they are about to receive from Russia.
So basically, keeping Ming-class in service, just because of The Phillippines would be very strange.
Taiwan is angry at the Philippines with a good reason, and Taipei did send their best ship they got, La Fayette light frigate against the Philippines.
So Ming-class should not stay in service just because of the Philippines.
And finally, while T-59 is facing "South East" countries; I think you once again refer to Vietnam because there are no other unfriendly nations there (Myanmar and Laos and Cambodia and Thailand are good friends with China), so I don't think that huge number of T-59s in service is justifiable. China should rather produce more IFV,APC, and other light tanks or armoured vehichles with ATGMs, etc.
PLA is currently doing very well in managin its financial and resources. They will not repeat the same mistake of US armed forces of giving the best and overspend the country money. You sure do not want China to end up with mountains of debt like USA, right?