Yes, well, two things I don't really understand either.
Number one: If you go to a place like China, what do you expect? To get a present? That they like you? No way - they need you for a while, and will drain as much out of you as they possibly can - then dispose of you. You really wouldn't be the first one to discover this.
Number two, and this one is not cynical: How are they going to claim it from you? Do it the nice way, and resign properly, keeping the notification-period and talking to your boss. If they let you go, then the problem is solved.
If they try to play games with you, then why don't you just get on a plane and never come back.
I don't see a problem in this.
These clauses are actually not really aimed against foreigners, but against the Chinese themselves, because Chinese airlines don't want to lose pilots to each other. Sure they'll take the money from you too, if they can.
