That problem could have occurred in Blighty, or Oz or almost anywhere else that the Chinese fly to.
Having done some time training them, it became apparent that there is quite a disconnect between what they acknowledge on the r/t and what they really understand. Because their vocab is so limited, it is typical that they pick only words they want to hear.
Aviation English, as used in ATC, somehow needs to be condensed to maybe a maximum of 1000 words, contained within maybe 100 absolutely standard phrases. How we do this, I dunno, but until we do, problems will continue.
We have a classic of excess words in a typical line up clearance issued here in Oz. It goes something like: "behind the landing 737, line up behind and wait". This must be read back by the pilot. It could be condensed to: "Wait" or "Hold", then when the other aircraft has passed the holding point: "line up".
Also, rather than the phrase "hold short at....", how about "stop at...." and so on? If they really screw up, instead of some plea to hold position, try: "China....stop stop stop"