Beijing seeks to temper anti-French sentiment

Members of China’s leadership have softened their tone against France and signaled a desire to end anti-French sentiment in the country, following protests of the Olympic torch in Paris, AP reported. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Jiang Yu said that the demonstrations at Carrefour stores across the country were "encouraging and touching" but added that "we do not agree with some people’s radical actions." French president Nicholas Sarkozy has been conciliatory, even sending a personal letter to Jin Jing, known as China’s "angel in a wheelchair," who shielded the torch against protesters in Paris. Yet, despite the softened tone, Beijing condemned the decision by Paris city councilors to award the Dalai Lama honorary citizenship.