PLAAF very certainly will consider new, better replacement engines - if only for the AL-31 birds already in service, as WS-10 is not compatible and requires significant changes to the aircraft. There are still hundreds of such aircraft in Chinese service, and they will be in service till 2040s.
PLAAF/PLANAF may not pick them, but they'll most certainly take them into account, and this is by no means a proposal without merit.
Relationship between countries is also a factor here.
Mix between AL-51F and AL-31F with specs very close to the former, but fitting into al-31 nacelle without changes.
doesn't make sense and not true. in fact PLAAF moving from Russian engines. older PLAAF aircrafts will switch to WS-10 once Russian engine died out. many old J-11/J-10A have already switched to WS-10.
J-20 powered by AL-31F engines are less than 50.
it will be nightmare logistically for PLAAF if they start using newer hybrid Russian engine.
one more point, J-35A now finalized for PLAAF. it means older J-10/J-11 will be replaced.. no need for new engines or even WS-10..
Future PLAAF fleet - J-20/J-35/J-16 and J-10C. all these aircrafts already have domestic powerplants..
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i m being honest here, the chapter has been closed. though nobody knows what tomorrow will bring but the current sentiments in PLAAF is, to rely on domestic engines now.