China is itching to get their military any sort of combat experience. Their armed forces are made up for the most part by conscripts. Combat experience is not all they need to address. Their maintenance practices are awful and on par with the Russians.
THAT was my first thought. I can't find it now. But several months ago, there was a thread about China's military capabilities. There I posted that China is lacking a VERY important component to military capability, EXPERIENCE.
Think of just America's evolution and combat strategies since the Korean War (China's last real engagement - sorta). Our military does adapt and alter readiness using technology and tactics. The whole coordination and collaboration between ground and air support is 3 generations different than when China last fought a war. And no amounting of planning can prepare for the fog of war and the contingency planning.
I read part of a book once (lol) about military strategy failures of the Japanese in WWII. US Soldiers had commanders in the fight and directing movements and actions as battles ensued. Japanese fighters often had orders to follow and a leader. US soldiers were given objectives. Japanese soldiers were given directions. BONZI! (paraphrasing)
And yes, it would seem that they might be wanting to get some of their guys some game time, so to speak.