Actually John, there's easier way to read China move:
1. If they don't continue one development, we know it is the trouble. If successful, then CCTV will cover it.
2. Surprisingly (or perhaps not too surprising), there will be leaks in Weibo or Chinese onlines.
If problem with EMALS, either they come out with new design, or they back to old steam Catapult tech. Weibo's and Chinese forums also talk on that steam ones development. If this is power generation, then they will rectified with either larger GT set up or goes Nuclear.
From what I see so far, whether it is politics, defense, social or economics, there're always hints and leaks. CCP grip on media actualy in my opinion not as bullet prove as many outside China thinks.