If they "manage" to make a reliable airframe & system, the real limiting factor remains in their people. Their politically indoctrinated culture will always be in the way of a truly strong/unified force. Note that their entire provincially drawn country is essentially Balkanized.
Make no mistake, the CCP is trying really hard to force a unified "Yi Jia Ren", 7 years plans, long-term goals, etc. 'The Peaceful Rise' is complete nonsense, just like 'build back better' propaganda.
Give a Chinese national a pack of smokes, lottery ticket, and a drink…and 9/10 of the time that person is bought.
Poverty positioned control.
Brainwashed out of conviction.
This an important reason why good people must hold the line in times of both evil and forced indoctrination diaspora. Our liberty and freedom is fragile, but oh so effective.