True. In fact many will say building an operational reliable mass produced engine is the most technologically challenging thing to do. It shows how advanced a country's overall industrial base is and its level of development/experience. Its no coincidence only the U.S, U.K,FRANCE , GERMANY and RUSSIA (almost the P5 powers bar China) have been able to build a world renowned/reliable operational engine. So china trying to break into this field/elite club is indeed commendable. Wishing all the best to China.
It will take alot of time,but at the end it will be worth it. Afterall, mastering the art of building a reliable engine is still the archilles hill of China, as it has to import alot of engines from we in europe and Russia to power its aircrafts and naval warships. So being able to mass produce its engines domestically/indigeniously will indeed be a huge boost to China.