Today's gripe (6/23):

I had to change the return leg of my flight out of China operated by China Eastern. They originally charged my US-issued AMEX card but for the change, they cannot accept anything but AliPay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay credit card. I tried to use my Discover Card but didn't work, so much for that "partnership". I asked if I can pay cash but it was like a process require a congressional meeting or something, and involves airline and airport employees across multiple locations. After a lot of back and forth and running out of clean and sane options, I charged the change fee through AliPay. It was easier than I thought and I got whacked with a 3% fee, which was expected. As a business person, I am just stunned at how hard it is to give money to companies in China. In the west, businesses make it as easy and painless as possible to take money from customers... but not in China

As much as I like China, it's just hard to swallow that China Eastern could charge my AMEX for the original ticket, but suddenly couldn't charge it again for the flight change. Once again, you need AliPay or WeChat Pay in China.