Chinese tourists attacked in Paris suburb

World
Europe

The Chinese embassy in Paris is sending a warning to people planning to visit the French capital to take precautions after a Chinese tour group was attacked and robbed on Thursday by four assailants armed with tear gas.

The group of 40 tourists was ambushed by four men near a hotel in the suburb of Val-de-Marne.

Police said the robbers sprayed the tourists with tear gas after they returned from a tour of the city.

The group returned to China on Friday.

Confirming the robbery, the Chinese embassy said it had contacted French Police and urged them to solve the case and bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible.

Déjà vu

The incident is a stark reminder of a similar attack on Chinese tourists in the northern Paris suburb of Aubervilliers in August last year.

Demonstrators protest at a rally of the Chinese community to raise awareness about recent attacks in Paris, France, September 4, 2016. / REUTERS

In that incident, 27 Chinese were attacked by half a dozen men as they boarded a bus bound for Charles de Gaulle airport.

The assailants stole luggage and injured two of the tourists, who were taken to hospital for treatment.

"They sprayed the driver with tear gas and hit two tourists," police said.

Attacks on Chinese, Korean and Japanese tourists are not uncommon in Paris as robbers believe they carry large sums in cash and their suitcases are stuffed with luxury goods purchased in the city.

In May last year, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo traveled to Beijing to reassure Chinese authorities that the world’s most visited city had taken measures to beef up security.

These attacks come on the heels of France's Chinese community protesting what they perceive as targeted violence.

Just days after last year’s attack on Chinese tourists, 49-year-old tailor and father-of-two, Zhang Chaolin, died in hospital after being attacked by three teenagers.

According to Reuters, Zhang was reportedly kicked in the sternum and fell, striking his head on the pavement.

The aim of the attack was allegedly to steal his friend's bag.

Demonstrators protest at a rally of the Chinese community to raise awareness about recent attacks in Paris, France, September 4, 2016. / REUTERS

In response, at least 15,000 ethnic Chinese turned out in Paris's Place de la Republique on September 4 to give vent to their feelings of insecurity.

"There are frequent attacks but we don't sue because we don't speak good French. And, we're working, we don't have time," 26-year-old bar worker Cai Jiang told AFP.

At more than 600,000 people, France has Europe's largest Chinese community. But they have not been in the country as long as more prominent migrant groups, including those from Africa.

"We are appealing to the state because we are French citizens, even if we don't feel that we are considered as such," said 23-year-old shop owner Marina.

(with input from wires)