There's also the question on whether China really needs two separate J-XD models for its 6th-gen air combat systems, since neither of them are going to be cheap.
But then, if the claim of Chengdu AC's J-XD concept/technology demonstrator/prototype having 3 engines is eventually proven to be accurate in the final, production model - It does bring a huge question mark on the viability for such aircraft to be carrier-capable, given the size and weight restrictions for warplanes meant for carrier-based operations. As a matter of fact, I honestly don't think the PLAN will be happy to not operate J-XDs of their own, especially once the USN equips their CVNs with F/A-XXs in the 2030s and beyond.
Hence, if the 3-engine-on-Chengdu-J-XD claim is proven to be accurate - Then I do believe that China does need a smaller-sized (but definitely at least J-20/F-23-sized), twin-engine J-XD for use onboard the PLAN carriers.
(But of course, if China somehow manages to make the three-engine J-XD to be able to fit onboard PLAN CV(N)s in the future - Then the above contention can be rendered redundant.)
Furthermore, cost-versus-combat effectiveness is also another major factor at play here. If a smaller, twin-engine J-XD can already meaningfully cover 2IC without mid-air refueling, perhaps there is less need for a larger, three-engine J-XD as well relative to the former.
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