Far East circle trip
This isn't hard-and-fast advice being sought, but it isn't hypothetical either.
An acquaintance needs to make a trip Brussels-Sydney-Beijing-Brussels (or the other way round) in September. Business Class, a good price would be nice but that's not the paramount consideration. I don't know what schemes he's a member of.
Brussels does not have direct flights to either PEK or SYD so a transfer is required both ways. There is a daily Air China service PEK-SYD but it might be just as quick to make a transfer.
Any suggestions (+ or -)