[hatbert]

Sure, the J variant has upgraded engines and avionics, but the airframe is the same. The article simply says that the PLA uses the "Soviet designed airframe" of the Tu-16 and the "Soviet designed [...] An-12." It states neither that the PLA is using 50 year old airframes, nor that they are using 50 year old avionics.

So the grand-parent's comparison is entirely valid. Both the USAF and PLA use aircraft in primary roles that were designed half a century ago. And, frankly, there isn't anything wrong with that in either case. Physics hasn't changed in 50 years.