[3] Initial production models suffered quality issues from the early direct use of AL-31 control systems.

AVIC initiated a general effort to improve quality control throughout its production chain in 2011.

[14] In March 2020, Chinese state media released a video showing a WS-10B-powered J-10C; aircraft markings suggest it was part of the fourth batch of J-10Cs for the PLAAF.

The WS-10B reportedly powered low rate initial production aircraft in 2015,[16] and was used as an interim engine before the adoption of the AL-31.

[20] The original WS-10A has a thrust-to-weight ratio of 7.5, the improved WS-10B is rated approximately 9.0, while the WS-10C is capable of 9.5 or higher — adequate for the Chengdu J-20 to supercruise.

[22] It was the last indigenous Chinese combat aircraft to replace the AL-31;[23] possibly due to navalisation.

[24] According to Chinese observers, compared to the AL-31 the WS-10 had superior safety, reliability, and service life, aspects which are magnified by the constraints of carrier aviation.

[27] A testbed J-10B powered by a WS-10 with thrust vectoring (TVC) – called "WS-10B-3" by Jamie Hunter – was demonstrated at the 2018 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.