Is it ok for him to enjoy 72 hour free transit?

Hello
An Irish Citizen with an Irish Passport who lives in Bermuda would like to attend a meeting in Beijing. We do not have enough time to get him a VISA. Would he be able to get a 72 hour free transit if he did either of the following routes:

Friday 23 January Bermuda to London - Tuesday 27th January London to Beijing (PEK) arriving into Beijing on Wednesday 28th January at 12 noon - Saturday 31st January PEK to US (JFK) and then on to Bermuda
or
Friday 23 January Bermuda to London - Tuesday 27th January London to Beijing (PEK) arriving into Beijing on Wednesday 28th January at 12.00 noon - Saturday 31st January PEK to London and then on to Bermuda

If yes, what would he need to do? I look forward to hearing from you.