Just an update. So full disclosure I don't know if this occurred as normal practice or because I'm one world emerald.
I had two separate tickets, one on AA from DFW. The other leaving 1:40 later on cathay t2 to t3. Knowing that I already had a tight connection I called the cathay USA ticket office in the morning before my flight was leaving and told them I was transiting to their flight from the AA dfw one. They told me they would put a note in record and also notify PEK Cathay base of my transit. Our plane arrive 45 late, (know only 55 minute connection time) Upon arrival there was an airport representative holding a sign with my name on it. She took me to the international transit desk (which was opened and manned). They gave me a hand written boarding pass. A employee from the transit desk then walked me through a door through a small security area and then downstairs to a waiting bus. SHe told the bus driver to take me to terminal 3. She went under the runway and popped out over by terminal 3. I was then met by another rep who gave me an official printed boarding pass and then walked me to my gate.

Thoughts:

The international transit desk was manned and I would imagine even if I wasn't escorted to the desk if you have a tight connection they can verify your flight and make you a hand written boarding pass and walk you through the rest of the process above. I was really thinking I was screwed as we were spending 30 minutes of taxi time after we landed, but it all worked out.