Traveling with partner who is traveling on business

I am an American living in France (I have legal residency and work status to be here). I will be traveling with my (European) partner who needs to go to China for business. We have a French civil union (PACs), but we are not married. The Chinese client is paying for my partner's transportation to and within China and all hotels and expenses. I will pay for my own flights. I may also travel a few days on my own. Should I apply for a tourist L or do I need to ask the Chinese client to procure a Visa for me?