The presidential election in France is taking place at a time of unease for the country’s Chinese community. Chinese living in France say they are often victims of racism and violence, but little is done to protect them.

At the ancient Chinese Shang-si Festival, people have been singing and dancing in traditional costumes under the cherry blossom. The festival is also a means to invoke cleansing rituals to chase away bad luck. However, whether the next president of France will bring good luck to the country's Chinese community is unclear.

France is home to an estimated 600,000 Chinese people. It’s Europe’s largest population of ethnic Chinese. Moreover, around two million Chinese people visit France every year. 

The Chinese community has been raising their voices, complaining that local authorities haven’t done enough to protect Chinese people from racial discrimination and racially motivated crimes. Certainly when France chooses its new president, Chinese people will hope to have their voices heard.