BEIJING: China on Tuesday pledged to stay in close communication with France over an attack on six Chinese students, after Beijing called for an investigation.
"We will continue to stay in close contact with the French side," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing in Beijing.
Three youths, aged 19 and 20, were charged on Sunday night with aggravated violence, using or threatening to use arms, as well as drunkenness, the Bordeaux prosecutor's office said. They were then placed under detention.
The attack occurred on Saturday in France's wine-making Bordeaux region, drawing worldwide attention.
"We have noticed the statement made by the French side recently," Hua said, without giving further details, in an apparent acknowledgement of the arrests.
The trio hurled racist insults early Saturday when they assaulted the Chinese students at their home in Hostens, a small village about 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Bordeaux in southwest France.
A female student was seriously hurt in the face by a glass bottle that was thrown at her. She was hospitalised and underwent surgery.
French ministers have condemned what they said was a "racist" attack adding that it had tarnished the country's image. The Chinese embassy in Paris also strongly denounced the assault and called on French authorities to ensure the safety of its nationals.
Concern has grown in China in recent months over the increasing number of thefts and attacks targeting Chinese tourists.
Hua on Monday called for France to carry out an investigation and "bring the perpetrators to justice".
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