It is not possible to apply for a visa through the Internet currently.
According to the 《Notice on the Launching of Biometric Chinese Visa Service》 issued on the Commissioner’s Office 20th October 2021, starting from 1st November 2021, the Commissioner’s Office will start to take live photos and collect all fingerprints of those applicants applying for visas for mainland of China, and issue biometric visas accordingly. So after 1st November, all visa applicants should fill online application forms and make appointments online, and then submit all required application documents in person to the Visa Centre, and the Visa Centre staff will then handle your application.