What number are we in sequence?
What is the reason for the delay ?
Why is the delay undetermined?
Don't you know we're Cathay????
All very reasonable inquiries.
Twotigers you are the only one I've ever heard defend the ineptitude that is Chinese ATC. That tells me, and everyone else reading, that you are somewhat clueless and inept yourself.
If Chinese ATC would be more proactive in giving you a sequence and reason for the delay they would not have to put up with such questions. This is required information in order to best make a decision, if they can't handle it, then they should be doing something else.
Next time I'm holding position on the runway in PVG and ATC clears me for takeoff I will tell them "standby, expect a delay". I'm sure they won't query me or ask for an estimate of when I will be ready for takeoff.
No worse than the constant whining of our own crews
In PEK or PVG when there's a delay.
All KA guys sit tight, while CX guys try and reinvent
Chinese ATC with there demands.
Always amazed by pilots afraid to query ATC. There are some pilots that are so afraid to ask questions or even keep ATC informed when they need to make a change. I've yet to meet a controller that agrees with that philosophy.