A successful J-35 may lead to the J-21 ( the PLAAF variant ). If so - then it is a possible Option for the PAF if it proves to be successful in PLAN/PLAAF ..
Open to PAF I believe so, but PLAAF I'm not so sure. IMO J-XY has always been a navy-centric project, and naval concerns champ all like aspect ratio, low speed maneuverability, advanced built-in EW suite (similar to F-35 role in NIIF-CA) and such. We all know there are always gives and takes, industrial design is always a compromise, I believe J-XY is a jet optimized for CV and naval doctrine from its 1st day on drawing board.
Of course variant for PLAAF can't be ruled out, but apparently they are going for a full hi-thrust fleet (twin hi-thrust for heavy air superiority / EW, single hi-thrust for medium multi-role), whether they will induct a twin-medium thrust jet hence complicating logistics/maintenance is a question, especially when the jet is not a game-changer, and roles are currently undertaken by an up-gradable platform (J-10 series) or even UAV. Limited financial budget is a tough reality, I guess PLAAF's short-term priorities are confined to building a strategic fleet (bombers, tankers, AWACS, transport), C4ISR infrastructure, and continue to fill tactical fleet (20/11/16/10/GJ-11/WZ-7/WZ-8) in numbers.
Going back to PAF/PAC, it may indeed be a good option, PAC might even become a hub for J-XY's re-designed land-based variant, while SAC remains a hub for original PLAN variant. Just like JF-17, J-XY also employs medium thrust engine (the only difference is number), two platforms have potential to partially unite their supply chain. And we all know land-based variant for whatever jet is by nature only simpler, and better, than its CV variant. For PAF, the 36 J-10C is more like an instant booster (a stop gap move), I believe J-XY could be the long term move.
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