Catapults and CATOBAR have always been superior to a ski jump. They enable larger loads to launch...more fuel and ordnance. More capability.

However, catapults have also always been more complex and expensive. The details of our steam catapults are still classified, I think. Getting catapults to work safely and reliably is not easily done. The RN considered catapults on their two latest carriers, but opted for the ski jumps as a cost saving measure.

The ski jump itself was certainly innovative when it first appeared. The Harrier was itself an innovation, and the ski jump made launching it better. And the system is simple and affordable. It allowed smaller navies to field airpower at sea practically and affordably. It spared the expense and complexity of catapult systems. No surprise, then, that it has been so widely adopted.

However, China is aiming higher, and this marks her entry into "the big leagues." She has shown she can handle this expense and complexity. And she reaps the resulting ability to field heavier, more complex and more capable aircraft from her carriers.

This is still in a beginning stage for them, but is an important first step. They can only go "up" from here.