do you mean the $5000 exemption treaty between China and the US? If you use 1040, you cannot claim that exemption anymore.
that is not necessarily true.
I know for F-1 students under OPT and have dual status of H1, they can still claim $5000 treaty benefit on 1040. Enter the exampt income on line 21(other income list type and amount). and then attach form 8833 treaty base return position disclosure.
On form 8833 line1a, enter US & P.R.China. On line 1b, enter 20(c) of the 4/30/1984 protocol. On line 2 IRC code over-ruled by treaty enter "IRC61;871(b)" .
for those conducting teaching and research and have been in state for <3 years, i remember one of the treaty clause is suitable for this situaion to tax-exmpt all income (forgot either 20(a) or 20(b)). you can search pub 519 for treaty details.
MITBBS tax board 精华区 is also a very good source of information. There is a section dedicated to tax treaty discussion.