That's very interesting, because the one-year visas were generally not available outside the U.S.
Did you get the sense they would be available to all Americans, or only HK ID holders?
The recent US-Russia visa agreement is explicit that the three-year visas are to be available worldwide, and the Russians do seem to observe the agreement; let's hope the US-China agreement contained a similar provision. The State Department is certainly aware of the issue. The State Department FAQ is clear that the US will be making these visas available to Chinese worldwide:
"Q: Can I apply for a ten-year visa if I am a Chinese national living in a country other than China?
"A: Yes, maximum visa validity is determined by the reciprocity arrangement with the country that issued your passport and not the country in which you apply." (emphasis added)
Let's not forget that uncertainty about this new arrangement isn't limited to Americans. Chinese travellers seem concerned that the U.S. may turn out to be more strict in handing out visas for ten years than one.
I went with my friend to the visa office of the Chinese Embassy in DC this morning. Couldn't believe there were so many people there(both Chinese and Americans, about half and half)
She was only given a single-entry visa. The lady at the windows told her that because she had
never visited China before, only a single-entry visa would be issued. Her prior dozen or so visits to Hong Kong, China did not count as visits to China.(duh, Hong Kong is not considered "China" for that purpose) She must actually use that visa to physically enter China at least once. The next time she applies, they will give her a 10-year multiple-entry visa. At this point, my friend became very upset and started arguing with them. She had to be "politely" asked to leave the office by a security guy.
Next Monday, she will be visiting the Russian embassy to apply for a Russian visa. She is taking a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railroad so she needs both Chinese and Russian visas.