Date: 201204
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZGZU, FO
Weather elements / visibility: Thunderstorm
Light: Night
Aircraft: A310
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight phase: Cruise
ATC / advisory: Center ZGZU
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: First Officer; Pilot Not Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Communication Breakdown
Second reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Contributing factors: Airspace Structure; Human Factors; Procedure; Weather
Primary problem: Ambiguous

Narrative: We advised Guangzhou Control that we had reached minimum fuel state while 'orbiting' inbound to ZGGG. We were filed for FL370 and upon takeoff were given FL330 as a final by ATC. After persistent requests; we were finally able to get FL350; but the initial hold-down and significant time spent at a cruise altitude below optimum was not helpful to our situation. Shortly after checking in with Kunming Control (700 miles from ZGGG); we were told to slow to minimum clean speed or advised to cross MEPAN at 32 minutes past the hour; which caused us to slow to minimum clean and we were still going to be 6 minutes early. Shortly after checking in with Guangzhou Control (500 miles from ZGGG); we were directed to 'make right orbit.' We reported completion of one turn and were told to continue another turn without an EFC. At this point; with significant TS activity in the ZGGG/ZGSZ vicinity; and fuel predict for ZSPD (most distant alternate) approaching 9;000 LBS; I informed the Controller that we were 'minimum fuel.' The Captain then had to repeat the advisory slowly and clearly at least four times so as to avoid misunderstanding. The Controller then advised us to proceed direct to BSE and resume normal speed. We proceeded to ZGGG without further undue delay. Chinese ATC/Military could open more routes so not everyone has to use the only route through this corridor.


Second narrative: We advised Guangzhou Control that we had reached minimum fuel state while 'orbiting' 500 miles from ZGGG. The Controller then advised us to proceed direct to BSE (I believe) and resume normal speed. We proceeded to ZGGG without further undue delay. While the company routinely adds some contingency fuel for ZGGG terminal delays; consideration might be given to increasing this contingency fuel; especially on nights when significant weather is in the terminal area. Guangzhou ATC regularly assigns significant delay vectors and random 'orbiting' without clear EFC's assigned. Of note; on a flight in the month previous to this one; after significant delay vectoring from Guangzhou Approach Control; we attempted to advise them of a 'minimum fuel' state and they had no idea to what we were referring. We never did get an acknowledgment of that advisory call on that one; and it appears the same advisory call may have been misinterpreted given the follow-up interest given to this flight by the CAAC. It might be helpful during future liaison meetings with the CAAC; for us to review some common English ATC terms for clarification.


Synopsis: Air Carrier flight crew enroute to ZGGG describes ATC delays due to weather and traffic; resulting in a declaration of minimum fuel. This information is difficult to convey to the Controller; but eventually results in a clearance direct.