But what does happen when an FT does not show up as promised and the ticket had been booked in advance by the employer?
Lost or non-refundable airfare? Mhmm....

A valid point. But other countries do book in advance for their FT's. I understand it is how things work in China that an FT pays for his flights upfront, but it still doesn't make things right that FT's get screwed out of their final payments. Also trust is a two way street, if south korea, the GCC countries, hong kong can do it, China can too, I await larry's GW excuses of why it can't be done!