Question on residence permit issue

Am a masters student in Italy with 3 months remaining expiration which is renewable for your duration of studies... I was at the Chinese embassy yesterday to apply for one month single entry tourist L and i was told i needed to have unlimited permit to stay in Italy before i get a visa to China....Am sooo pissed right now cos i had already planned my trip. Please, must one have a permanent residence permit in a foreign country before i can travel to China???????