If the bilateral to China is currently 'fully utilised', does that mean no possibility of MAN flights either
At the moment they cannot. There is talk that the bilaterals will change this year, in line with the 'welcome China' ethos, but, as to whether that will actually take place this year is another story.
Chinese airlines are eager to expand in the UK, so its frustrating when it is just a piece of paper preventing that from happening.