An Ekranoplan always seemed to be a cool technology that has serious real world problems. The improved L/D from ground effect is great, but operating that close to the water at high speeds seems to expose the craft to all sorts of hazards: Rogue waves, debris, sea birds etc. Also while ground effect improves induced drag, I don't think it does much for parasitic drag.

Still it would be fun to see one operating.

The Russians did this many years ago. It was not a great success.

China’s mission is very different than the USSR … and advances in propulsion and FBW tech MIGHT make a sufficient difference.