i have played chinese chess with 3 guys at this site, they are all non-chinese players, KeithGraham(United States),FromHell(Bavaria) and Fencer(Czech Republic).
one thing in common, they lost a tempo(move) in exchange, that is, they play extra move to do the same thing.
in chess, it may be ok to do that, Kramnik was doing this by repeatedly moving his queen at the opening stage against Topalov, but in chinese chess, you lost one move, you are in trouble especially in the high level competition.
in chinese chess you play for the initiative, in chess, you play for the pawn.