With the 2017 French presidential election coming to a close, the once politically indifferent Chinese community has made their voice heard in the country’s most important political event, showcasing their increasing willingness to participate in politics and state affairs.

“Compared to the 2012 election, more Chinese immigrants have taken part in this year’s presidential election. They realize the importance of using votes to express their needs,” Sabastien Lu, who has been living in Paris for over nine years, told People’s Daily Online. “This strategy has paid off, as candidates, including Fillon and Macron, talked about issues important to Chinese immigrants during their campaigns.”

According to Chen Shaoqi, president of French Qingtian Association, there are over 600,000 Chinese currently living in France and around 60 percent of them have become naturalized citizens. The Chinese community has become an important force that can influence the French presidential election.

When asked about their preference for the candidates, many Chinese-French voters said they preferred Emmanuel Macron, as they believe that the former investment banker can revitalize the country’s languishing economy.

“Most Chinese voters engage in trade and commerce, so they prefer right-wing candidates who are good at managing the economy. Candidates, such as François Fillon, are very popular among the Chinese community. As an independent candidate, Emmanuel Macron is also welcome by Chinese voters for his right-wing ideas in economic management,” Olivier Lijie Wang, deputy district chief from Paris’ District 19, told The Paper.

Echoing Wang, Chen added that Marine Le pen is the least popular candidate among Chinese voters because of her infamous support for exclusivism and racialism. He noted Chinese voters care more about a candidate's willingness to improve their community’s living environment rather than their political affiliation.

“I think the active participation of Chinese voters in the election is a good sign. With more of us taking part in the country’s politics, we may improve our status in the French society, letting our needs and suggestions be heard,” said Lu.