I don't have any such recollection; my understanding is that the "second Asia entry" rule ONLY applies to Europe < > SWP and no other continents.

In the past there were evidently some tickets issued (perhaps erroneously) which allowed transiting Asia to/from N. America < > SWP, but the interpretation above is, I believe, the current hard-and-fast position.

If you find it otherwise in trying to get an itinerary booked, be sure to share your experience here.