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Download A violent attack on six Chinese students in southwestern France has provoked wide spread outrage and safety concerns in China as well as the Chinese community in France. The attack took place on Friday night in Hostens, a town located in the wine-producing region of Bordeaux, just a few hours before the opening of Vinexpo, an international wine and spirits fair that many Chinese professionals are expected to attend. The six students are reportedly enrolled in a joint oenology program of Beijing Arome Wine School and France's Chateau de la Tour Blanche. They were assaulted just three months after they arrived in France. A 24-year-old female student suffered serious facial injuries after being attacked with a glass bottle and has been admitted to hospital for treatment. The alleged attackers were believed to be intoxicated when the assault happened, and two of them are now in police custody. The incident, described by France's Interior Minister Manuel Valls as an act of xenophobia, has elevated the outrage and fears of Chinese people living, studying and traveling in France who have become targets and frequent victims of serious crimes. On a visit to China in April, French President Francois Hollande ensured the safety of Chinese people in France. Some Chinese internet users said that they are now too scared to travel or to study in France as the attack has damaged the reputation of France and the romantic impression they had about the country, and condemned the school's failure to protect the safety of their students. | 
