What do the protests in France look like from China? Internet users weigh in

Internet users in China are watching the protests in France with a mix of geopolitical cynicism, domestic pride and sadness at the damage to French landmarks.

The protests started in September, when students and teachers in southeastern Paris rallied against deteriorating school conditions. Those specific grievances quickly escalated into nationwide protests at the rising cost of living and declining public services.

What began as peaceful marches has since dissolved into violence, with rioters looting hundreds of shops and setting fire to vehicles and historic landmarks, including the 143-year-old town hall in the city of Limoges.

Multiple public buildings across cities including Paris, Marseilles and Bordeaux were also targeted.

Chinese internet users have used those words before to mock civil unrest in the United States, such as the 2021 attack on the US Capitol and 2025 Los Angeles demonstrations against immigration policies.

Other sarcastic comments on France’s chaotic scenes included “such a developed country” and “France is so free and democratic”.

These collective responses echo official criticism of Western politicians’ “double standards” on China’s domestic affairs.

It seeks to counter the Western view of China as a strict surveillance and authoritarian state by contrasting it with turbulence under Western-style democracy.

Some social media users have also linked the Paris chaos to France’s foreign policy, framing the unrest as a self-inflicted consequence of its support for Ukraine against Russia.

“Keep helping Ukraine so the fire in their own backyard burns even brighter,” one commentator wrote.

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 described itself as neutral in the Ukraine war, calling for dialogue while refraining from condemning the Russian invasion and denying Western allegations that it has given Moscow military support.

Other Chinese internet users praised the stability and safety of China.

“China is so much better; it’s pure chaos abroad,” one popular comment noted.

Others echoed the sentiment. “China is the safest place to be, and we should cherish the peace we have.”

Yet, there was also a wave of dismay at the destruction of French cultural heritage.

“A century-old historic landmark lost to fire, such irreplaceable heritage gone forever – it’s truly heartbreaking,” a comment read, amassing nearly 20,000 likes.

For some, footage of the burning Limoges Town Hall prompted parallels with the destruction of Beijing’s Old Summer Palace, which was looted and burned by Anglo-French forces in 1860.

In addition, commenters voiced concern for Chinese students and workers living in France.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, China’s foreign ministry and its embassy in Paris have issued safety advisories, warning Chinese citizens in the country to remain vigilant and stay clear of demonstration zones.