To ChiefNWA:

This is a very very good point. This is not a confirmed ticket for a flight out within 24 hours (or 48, 72, or any given time frame limit that happens to be in effect at the time he goes). I think there is a reasonable chance that China would deny entry or boarding would be denied in the USA. Get a visa if you want to use NRSA to fly to China. Too much doubt to go visa-less.

If China denies entry, it's Delta that will get the fine levied against it, and have to take you back on next flight out (which in June means likely doing an involuntary bump of someone else, which will cost the airline more money and bad will). This won't reflect well on your parents with their employer, since they provided you with the means to go to China.