Passport expires 10/10/2017. Travel to China 04/01-04/08/2017. Do I need to renew my Passport?

Hello. US Passport expires: 10/10/2017 Plan travel to China 04/01/2017-04/08/2017.
I am back to US 04/09/2017. I am going to apply for a Chinese Visa. Question: Should I renew my passport first BEFORE I apply for it? Will Consular grant me a Chinese Visa while my passport has less than 10 mos validity? thank you.