You need an intermediary bank at times when you transfer to/from some Chinese banks. Read about some difficulty your office had in doing that this week. Had a problem with my own bank out in the sticks of Long Island not knowing how to do it either. The bank manager didn't even know how to do it. It really messed up some plans. All because he was too embarrsassed to say he did not know how.
It is one thing, however, to not know how to do something and seek an answer and DO it.
And quite another to just not do it.
Since your wonderful company has many Asian customers, this bit of knowledge might help you in the future. If you've not happened upon it already.