I'm in the same spot you are. I've purchased a one-way JFK-SFO-PEK ticket on United with the return one-way ticket on Continental. It's purchased on one itinerary just in case they are any issues with the Chinese authorities in order to show that I do have a round-trip ticket.

I've checked with both my travel agent as well as United and both say that I am confirmed and am in the system (I even have my seat assignements). What I haven't been told is when it will become officially ticketed but I'm not woried since everyone is showing it and appears not to be worried about it.