<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by B747-437B:
I think its far more likely that the travel agent did not want to deal with non-Chinese clientele rather than that the fare rules specifically required you to be Chinese to purchase it.</font>
Actually, having worked in a Chinese travel agency before, I can say that that is not necessarily the case.
These are special 'connector' fares that are meant specifically for people connecting onto other Star alliance flights to China / Asia Pacific. But have special authorisation to sell to people of Chinese origin.
These fares were once touted freely amongst the ethnic origin in their specific markets but unfortunately that agent should not have asked you so directly if you were 'Chinese'. That is a deep violation to human rights. Basically you can sue.
I thought these fares don't exist anymore... but I guess they still do and they're still saying the same stupid things on the phone!