All AKs are equal. But some AKs are more equal than others. Right?
Kalashnikov Concern, Russia’s preeminent AK manufacturer, put out this video on the difference between Russian AKs and Chinese “Type 56” AKs.
So, what’s the difference? Well from a legacy standpoint, one can argue that while it was the Russian original that introduced the AK to the world, it was the Chinese Type 56 that made it a mainstream battle implement.

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As noted by the host in the video, the Type 56 derivative was used in armed conflicts the world over, from Columbia to Vietnam, from Mozambique to Afghanistan.
In terms of how the two differ from an accessory standpoint, the Type 56 came equipped with a folding “spike” bayonet.
At the end of the day, the good folks at Kalashnikov will tell you, as they did in the video, that when it comes time to choose between the two, “Make the right choice, and go with the good old Russian friend.”
But we will leave that call up to you.  Shop for AKs on GunsAmerica.