The differential in build times (3 years vs 9) is due in part to the massive inflow of capital into state coffers from Chinese export sales. A portion of the profit from every China-made item sold at Lowes, Wal-Mart, Harbor Freight, etc. is going towards modernizing the PRC’s armed forces (including building this carrier).
Prior to WWII, Japan was sent scrap metal which it turned into ships, tanks, guns, and planes. The Chinese are much more efficient. They’ve figured out a way to have the West just send them money directly.
I don’t know if you read about the demonstrations in Beijing by former army soldiers over the last few days. This is in response to China’s plan to cut the strength of the PLA by 300,000 troops in order to pay for Naval and Air modernization programs. So even with all the profits they are making trading with the US... it isn’t enough.
"...a fresh set of images indicates that the "island" of the carrier, in many ways the nerve-centre of the warship, has now been installed ahead of sea-trials commencing..."
LOL, I sure hope so!