I could understand the logic of AI choosing BHX over MAN because of the Indian community in the West Midlands. However, China is very different with the large Chinese community here and the Chinese investment in Airport City.
If, and I stress if, MAN were to lose out to BHX on a scheduled service to mainland China, it would be exceedingly embarrassing for MAN to put it mildly. What is worrying is, as LAX states, all references to MAN have disappeared from various systems. That said, as Bagso has pointed out, there have recently been some signs that with a glass half empty could easily be interpreted as potentially bad news.
Interesting that on another site, it is rumoured that MAN are in serious talks with SQ for the route to go non-stop again next year and with CX for Hong Kong to go daily from October (although the writer also suggests Hainan slots are still in). I guess if there is bad news, the best way to counteract it is with plenty of good news.