Does the child have to go in person with her parent(s) to apply for travel document to go to China?

Chinese parents (no green card), US born child, needs travel document to go to China.
This web shows: "2. If such a child needs apply for Chinese Travel Document, his parent or parents must go to the embassy or consulate-general in person to submit application according to consular jurisdiction. If one parent transacts this thing, he or she should show the Approval Letter (allow his/her child to return to China) of the other party.
3. There is no need to make an appointment. Mail application is not acceptable by the embassy in USA."
So, could someone with authority/experience confirm:
a) the child does not need to go in person. Only parent(s) need to go?
b) no appointment is needed?