FC-31 is mid class stealth fighter seems small to Fit PLAAF requirement (PLAAF prefer heavy figther due large airspace) also FC-31 not yet receive proper engine to perform what can do. wait see next year news said will have new engine for FC-31.
That is many people talk, but for PLAAF FC-31...
Because PLA super impressive with S-70 (blackhawks export version) reliability and performance in high mountain which sell to china in before 1986. but than PLA can't get S-70 anymore and S-70 nearly retirement after 30 years service, so have to design new helicopter replace it, since PLA so...
As long 2nd ship construction over ship water line will be not impact to ship. from picture 2nd ship construction already at helicopter hanger level just line 1st ship status in June. i guest 2nd ship will be launch in December, now 3th ship will be built beside 2nd ship.
Look more like 004 in design phase. attachment said 004 they study different design scheme. in attachment also see the person start working in Dec 2018 and take lead for 004 design, i guest need 2 year to enter design freeze phase.
052C using 7 meter version standard VLS system. for detail spec, obviously all china military asset and hardware is keep secret. if lucky some basic spec will be know.