I'm not sure where you got that I think #4 would NOT be a CATOBAR carrier. CATOBAR and nuclear are two completely different issues.I would think it's still far more likely the #4 would be a CATOBAR carrier, i.e., a duplicate or somewhat improved version of #3. It's a lot like CV-17 after CV-16.
The PLAN has three goals here to strike a balance: technology progress, crew training, and operational availability. The nuclear-powered carrier, under the best scenario, won't be commissioned near the end of next decade. There are so much to be done (and learned) to build a blue-water navy around carriers. The CATOBAR carrier introduces a whole new dimension of training and operating experiences. PLAN can not afford to wait so long and to play with only one CATOBAR carrier during the time. Besides, capacity-wise, building another CATOBAR won't hinder the development of the nuclear-powered carrier: JNCX and Dalian can both work on a separate carrier simultaneously.
I'm not sure where you got that I think #4 would NOT be a CATOBAR carrier. CATOBAR and nuclear are two completely different issues.
I think it will be two STOBAR (which they already have), followed by two conventional powered CATOBAR, followed by nucklear carriers that are CATOBAR.I have no idea, whether we will see one, two, four or even six conventional CATOBAR-carriers before the first nuclear carrier joins the navy.
But J15 EW has also flown
And J15B in production
3rd prototype of J31 is rumoured to be navalised
But other than mock up KJ600 would be a welcome !
I don't think either variant of the J-15 has entered production or made its maiden flight.
There might be an interim FC-31 prototype between now and the debut of the J-XX but I doubt it will be navalized.
Apparently a photo from many years ago (of the J-15S).