The SKS started coming into certain parts of Africa, to my knowledge, during the early sixties. Maybe earlier. I first came across them in 1969 and it immediately became my go to weapon. What isn't to like?? Light, handy and accurate enough to do the job well without having full auto capability. IMHO the FA capability of the AK platform was a detriment more than an aide. Not bad in the hands of well trained troops but for most of the people I saw that had them not so much. The thing I liked about the SKS was it worked in any position you had to shoot it from. It didn't have that great big ugly and ultimately in the way at the worst possible time, magazine. The AK is a definite "assault" rifle, not designed to be used in a defensive manner although quite capable if necessary. The SKS was just a more convenient all around rifle IMHO.
Those Chinese SKS parade rifles look to be chromed and the stocks appear to be composite material or at least a composite overlay.
Even today, I wouldn't feel the least bit undergunned with an SKS.
Thanks for posting OP. Brings back some memories.