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What do you think is holding back the F-35 from entering IOC?

Other than opposition in high places? Lots of things would be my guess, including software and electronics, and recently some engine problems.

But I would just be guessing. Hopefully, the engine woes have been resolved:

F135 Test Fleet Retrofits Could Start in November.

Yes the engine fan blade rubbing was a temporary setback, but what is holding back the F-35 from IOC with the Marine Corps is the completion of software block 2B, while the USAF needs Block 3I, and Navy is waiting until block 3F. It's the software that is the limiting factor.

From Lockheed Martin: https://www.f35.com/about/life-cycle/software

Full report that specifies Block 3F for Navy IOC: https://www.f35.com/assets/uploads/downloads/12994/f-35_ioc_joint_report_final.pdf

The Chinese can build an airframe that more or less copies the F-35. They cannot and will not build an aircraft with comparable avionics and software, and certainly not faster than Lockheed Martin can.