Can one fly from HKG via PEK to SFO without a visa?

They would be transiting in PEK, not leaving the airport, but will be on two separate tickets, so not a 'through fare'. One ticket HKG to PEK and another ticket PEK to SFO. Baggage likely cannot be 'interlined' and passenger would have to deplane and retrieve baggage in PEK, then check in with next airline. Can this be done without a visa?