I'm in the middle of a *YRTW. I have previously done:
HKG - NRT(O)- ORD(X) - BOS(X) - YYZ(O) - MAN(X) - CPH(X) - BGO(O) - CPH(X) - LHR(O)

I have now re-booked the remainder of the itinerary as follows:
LHR - NRT(X) - ICN(X) - PVG(X) - BKK(O or X, not sure) - KUL(X) - BKK(X) - TPE(X) - HKG

The 'transfers' in ICN, PVG, BKK, KUL and TPE involve an overnight of less than 24 hours. (Why this odd and hectic itinerary - two words: Starwood 50K!)

Two questions:
1. Is this itinerary OK?
2. The *agent started acting up saying that HKG, TPE and PVG(Shanghai) all are cities in China and so I cannot backtrack, as I would be entering the country of origin more than once. Any truth to this?

How does one define a "country" in this respect? Are mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong considered three separate countries for this purpose? The * RTW rules do not say anything at all about this and so I worry I could get in trouble.

I'm awaiting the United ticketing desk to have a look, but would like your comments first.

Thanks!