Not quite right
For example, in the case of VT-4
1. China can learn from the way the Russians and Americans export poor quality versions of the weapons they are using. For example, Abrams tanks do not have "depleted uranium ammunition." T-72 tanks lack sophisticated firing control systems. But instead of exporting poor quality Type-99, they decided to create a new tank (VT-4) for export.
2. The Type-99 armor is more protective than VT-4 due to the use of special materials
VT-4 is a tank born later, it inherits many advantages of Type-99. The advantage of VT-4 over Type-99 is in electronics and active protection systems.