Bans on protests rain down across France, raising concerns for the rule of law

Chinese netizens are observing the French protests with a blend of geopolitical skepticism, national pride, and regret over the harm inflicted on French monuments. The unrest began in September when students and teachers in southeastern Paris protested deteriorating school conditions. This issue soon morphed into a nationwide demonstration over the rising cost of living and diminishing public services.

Initially peaceful demonstrations have devolved into chaos, with rioters burglarizing shops and setting ablaze vehicles and historic sites, including a 143-year-old town hall in Limoges. Public services across cities such as Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux were also targeted. Online news reports about the turmoil were filled with the phrase "a beautiful sight," a reference to former U.S. House speaker Nancy Pelosi's description of anti-extradition bill protests in Hong Kong in 2019 as "a beautiful sight to behold."

Such terms have been used previously by Chinese internet users to mock civil unrest in the United States, like the 2021 siege of the U.S. Capitol and 2025 Los Angeles protests against immigration policies. Other sarcastic remarks on France's chaotic scenes include "such a developed country" and "France is so free and democratic."

These reactions mirror official criticism of Western politicians' "double standards" regarding China's internal affairs, aiming to counter the Western perception of China as a strict surveillance and authoritarian state by contrasting it with turmoil under Western-style democracy. Some social media users have also connected the French chaos to France's foreign policy, suggesting the unrest is a self-inflicted consequence of its support for Ukraine against Russia.

One commenter wrote, "Keep helping Ukraine so the fire in their own backyard burns even brighter." Another comment read, "[French] President Macron should focus more on the livelihood of his own citizens rather than pouring money into the war in Ukraine." China has consistently portrayed itself as neutral in the Ukraine war, calling for dialogue while refusing to condemn the Russian invasion and denying Western allegations that it has provided military assistance to Moscow.

Other Chinese internet users praised China's stability and safety, noting, "China is so much better; it's pure chaos abroad." Others echoed the sentiment, stating, "China is the safest place to be, and we should cherish the peace we have." However, there was also widespread dismay at the destruction of French cultural heritage. A comment on the burning Limoges Town Hall garnered nearly 20,000 likes, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of an irreplaceable historical landmark.

For some, the footage of the burning building evoked parallels with the destruction of Beijing's Old Summer Palace by Anglo-French forces in 1860. Furthermore, concerns were raised for Chinese students and workers residing in France. In response to the deteriorating security situation, China's foreign ministry and its embassy in Paris have issued safety advisories, urging Chinese citizens in the country to remain vigilant and avoid demonstration zones.