Thousands of Chinese in France marched for better security in Paris on Sunday, after a Chinese man was robbed and killed earlier this month.
The marchers were enraged by an attack on a group of Chinese on August 7, which led to the death of 49-year-old Zhang Chaolin, Chi Wansheng, the Chairman of the Association of Chinese Residents in France, the main organizer of the march, told the Global Times on Monday.
Chi said "Chinese residents are always being harmed by criminals and the situation is not getting better," and that "this is an old but serious problem."
One banner read, "I was Charlie like you. I am Chaolin, where are you?" in reference to the "Je Suis Charlie" solidarity slogan after the January 2015 attacks on the Charlie Hebdo satirical newspaper, French media France 24 reported.
Chi confirmed with the Global Times on Monday that a larger protest will be held on September 4 with "tens of thousands of people participating in the next march" and that "it will be held in the heart of Paris, the Piazza della Repubblica."
Chi said "almost every French Chinese organization and society will join the march with the same purpose - to urge the government to deal with the security problem which threatens our lives."
In France, the security problem Chinese residents face has not received enough attention, Chi said, stressing that while terrorist activities are threatening everyone, some crimes like robbery normally target the Chinese.
"Not only in Paris, but also in many provinces in France, Chinese people are ideal targets for criminals since most Chinese residents own restaurants or shops, Chi said.
He added Chinese tourists who bring large amounts of cash have also been victimized by criminals.
The Chinese Embassy said one of its consular officers contacted the police in Paris, and expressed China's concern over the case of Zhang Chaolin, and the police promised to try their best to find and arrest the suspects.
According to The Telegraph, some Chinese who live in Paris claim some crimes are committed by members of other minorities, generally of Arab or African descent.
