I'd like to apply for a tourist visa (British passport holder) for a prospective trip visiting my sister in China from 23 - 29 November. However, my Singaporean working permit for a job I am starting on 1 December is not yet ready. My question is:

1. Will the Chinese Embassy grant me a visa in Singapore, given that I am a temporary visitor at the moment?
The website says that temporary visitors should apply in their own country, and that approval in other circumstances is subject to the discretion of the visa officer.

My main concern is that I will buy the flight and then have my application rejected due to the lack of work permit. Obviously I will not buy the flight unless I know I can obtain the visa.

Please advise. Many thanks.