This is very true and PAF can build JF-17 by itself and maintain itself. China must have reliable partner to reach west. Chinese worked to give all the JF-17 manufacturing to Pakistan and maintenance. Even with technology, through and through we don't hide anything. Of course it's not the best technology is most cases like EW or radar but this gives Pakistan industry self-reliance to build as many as they want to buy themselves and no restriction on numbers. But this still doesn't mean it has good range. Anyway these are two discussions of course we can use more numbers to balance range problem by using fuel tanks but pilots are also very valuable.
When some people here say they know the AESA in new block Thunder is Pakistani self developed, this shows me if it is true, then already the industry benefit from cooperation and Chinese are willing to build this relationship because politically both countries want to continue this alliance.
Anyway JF-17's is for frontline which doesn't require deep strike missions maybe as much as escort for bombing missions like with Mirage. The best outcome for both India and Pakistan is peace and properly finishing up all disagreements. This way every dollar can be spent on people and developing your countries. We must learn to go towards this goal one day like Europeans stopped fighting each other. We can celebrate these new technologies but remember these are tools for war.
Yeah still has one engine and if looks like that, cost will be high. There will be no need for Pakistan's own AZM.
Let's remember this new fighter will be built to take high level technology like AESA but in a way to make it affordable and maximum effectiveness of air superiority fighter but lower on other performance and quality. Every cent for every quality. This is just exercise in maintaining optimal performance:price ratio. So still a very cheap and simple fourth generation light fighter just good enough to target and shoot good missiles and has okay EW.