Earl,

If China kicked you out of China you would be required to return to the USA if you were deported. It they simply gave you an exit order....you could have gone anywhere which it sounds like you did.

Report to the US Embassy and ask to see the RSO (Regional Security Officer) as he/she is a federal agent with the US State Dept. They can run you as can the FBI legal attache, DEA, or any one of 100 US federal agents that come and go out of the consulate or embassy on a routine and regular basis.

Being in or out of the USA for 1 year or 100 years has no bearing on checking you.
You either have a record or you do not and that can be rapidly determined by running you in the NCIC.

Regards.