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While the two large armor cavities on the Type 98 may also be used to provide access to these internal mounting bolts, they most likely also provide storage for some kind of removable composite armor material. Although the design and configuration of the tank's composite armor remains unknown, published reports continue to hint at a relationship between the Type 98's armor and the armor protecting the Russian T-80U and T-80UK. While the "closeness" of this relationship is unknown, it's clear that the Chinese had complete knowledge of the armor protecting these two Russian tanks while they were working on the Type 98. The Type 98's armor configuration also implies that the Chinese may have received assistance from another source as well. The Israelis have done extensive work on updating the armor protecting their older tanks and the more modern Merkava MBT. The Merkava, in particular, is known to incorporate modular armor in its design. Several recently published photographs have appeared clearly showing Israeli Merkava Mk 3s in Lebanon fitted with new modular armor arrays unofficially called "Lebanon" armor. Published sources have confirmed that this Israeli modular armor is designed to be changed in the field.

One of the biggest mysteries surrounding the Type 98 is the tank's current production-deployment status. The fact that only 18 of the new tanks participated in the October 1st parade has led to additional speculation that the Type 98 may have only been produced in that quantity to make a point to parade observers. New information indicates, however, that the Type 98's role in the PLA may be much larger than these observers initially believed. The Chinese are currently mass-producing two MBTs, the 105mm-armed Type 88B and the 125mm-armed Type 88C, at their primary tank production facility, Factory No. 617. Published photos have confirmed that the Type 98 is in limited production at this same factory. Reportedly, only about a battalion-set of Type 98s have been produced (31 tanks) to date. When deployment of these new tanks is considered, however, this small group may actually be part of a much larger production and deployment effort.

According to unconfirmed reports, the PLA currently deploys 10 active tank divisions, each one supporting a Group Army (GA). Of these, the 38th and 39th GAs are generally considered the highest priority and best-equipped organizations in the PLA. The 38th GA's tank division (the 6th Tank Division) is also known as the "Digital" Tank Division, and is based in the Beijing Military Region. Conflicting reports place Type 98s in the 6th "Digital" Tank Division, as well as the 8th Tank Division (of the 26th GA). Additionally, reports have associated the Type 98 with the 7th Tank Division, which is reportedly being reorganized in the Beijing Military Region as a "blue tank brigade." All of this information supports the contention that there are more Type 98s being produced and deployed than initially believed.