In China, where Western FTs are mostly left to themselves and cannot rely on family or good trustworthy friends, the extent to which you could put up with difficult situations may be rather limited

Dear Turnoi,

I presently find myself in that situation. The visas have changed such that you must get your Z visa and/or paperwork ready before you leave the UK, eg, arrive with the Z visa, then convert to the RP in China. Yes posters will tell you it is ok to work on a F/L but the fact of it is that is not legal, be it right or wrong, and some places will be reluctant to risk hiring you on one, such is the law.