This is a force multiplier:
China has begun training its air force squadrons to carry out high intensity operations on airports or air bases with two runways, and supporting multiple types of aircraft while doing so. This is a critical capability for “surge” operations in which aircraft carry out the maximum number of sorties for a day or so. This is the kind of capability that gives Western air forces a big advantage.
I've mentioned that Syria's sortie rate is pretty poor. Despite many stories that emphasize Syrian air power, it is really fairly weak. It is virtually unchallenged, mind you, but it is weak.
China has much bigger numbers. But in a fight with Japan or Taiwan, I'd guess that China can squeeze in only a small number of their overwhelming numbers of planes on to bases in range of their targets.
China could replace losses and maintain numbers in the fight with those extra planes with no room near the front, of course. But increasing the sortie rate of the planes that can find room near their targets will be like adding a lot of planes to their war plans.
