In late 1957, China's southeast coastal region experienced unrest, and the terrain presented challenges with extensive water networks and rivers. This prompted China's commitment to developing a domestically produced amphibious tank for deployment along the southeast coast in anticipation of future conflict. Project 211 was assigned in July 1958, and China purchased Soviet PT-76 amphibious light tanks to acquire the necessary technology. The project underwent numerous revisions before entering production as the Type 63 amphibious light tank. Due to an early variant of the PT-76 being imported to China, it lacks the two-plane stabilizer found in subsequent variants.

Introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision", the PT-76, as one of the first tanks armed with HEAT-FS, has little difficulty engaging heavily armoured opponents at any range. However, due to limitations in the main gun's calibre, post-penetration damage can be insufficient, requiring additional shots. Nonetheless, it remains a valuable asset for the Chinese Army's ground forces, contributing to the development of the Type 63 amphibious light tank.

In Update "La Royale", the tank was removed from the Chinese ground vehicles tech tree and is no longer researchable, although players who had previously researched and purchased retain access. Its place in the vehicle tree has been taken by the Object 211.