Originally Posted by
xman712
Hmm, ok, but he is traveling LAX-HKG-CTU it's just that LAX-HKG and HKG-CTU are on separate tickets? Then he leaves CTU-HKG. So, he is going US -> China -> 3rd country (HKG). Does this make sense?
No, as the travel is Hong Kong-China-Hong Kong. The ticketing doesn't matter; the flights do. As far as China is concerned, he will be coming from Hong Kong to China, then returning to Hong Kong. This does not qualify for the visa waiver. I'd highly recommend booking one direction through NRT or another non-HKG point if at all possible.