Chinese, general in France

Introduction / History

The Han Chinese fled to other countries after the Mongol invasion in 1276. Many other upheavals and conflicts followed, and the Chinese continued to settle in different nations, especially in Southeast Asia. Wherever they went, the Chinese settled almost exclusively in urban areas and became involved in business and commerce. Today, they are very influential in the economies of many of these nations including France.

The first Chinese came to France in the 1600s, but there wasn’t a significant number of them until after WWI. A small number of Chinese arrived in France from Wenzhou and the surrounding southern Zhejiang province to establish ceramic businesses. During WWI Cheap Chinese workers were recruited during the war and over 2,000 stayed in France to work in factories. More Chinese arrived from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon in 1975 because of persecution by the new government. A third group of Chinese arrived from Dongbei (Northeastern China) in the 21st century. Women outnumber men in this group.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Chinese people in France have maintained their culture and language to varying degrees. Their children are pushed to do well in school and are given much time to devote to their studies.

The three waves of Chinese immigrants are different in outlook. Those from mainland China have remained inward-looking, even if their great-grandparents arrived in the late 1800s. Those who came from Vietnam are far better acculturated and they resent the other two groups as intruders. The less acculturated groups have brought in illegal workers and they are accused of money laundering. They are far less likely to learn French than the ones who arrived as refugees in 1975.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Chinese in France can best be described as secular. Those who came from the PRC have been taught this mindset. Those who have lived in secularized France also believe that humankind must do the best they can for themselves since there are no spiritual answers.

Fortunately, there are some strong Christ followers among the Chinese in France who go against the culture. They can disciple others in the ways of the living Lord.

What Are Their Needs?

Materialism can become an idol. Even Christians among the Chinese can easily dedicate their lives to making money. Bible-based Christians among them can offer a biblical perspective.

Prayer Points

Pray for Mandarin evangelists, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to disciple hundreds in the ways of Christ.
Pray for the Chinese to begin a family-based movement to Christ that will bless them abundantly.
Pray for the Chinese to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project