China buys more national debt in France

At least 25% of France's national debt is currently owned by Chinese investors - a figure that could bring concerns about for strategic interests in the future.

At least 25% of France's national debt is currently owned by Chinese investors - a figure that could raise concerns for strategic interests in the future.

After castles, vineyards and airports, Chinese investors seem to have found something else to buy in France - government debt.

According to a report from the French Public Administration and Policy Research Institute, China owns at least 25% of France's national debt.

For economist Philippe Herlin, that fits with the Chinese Communist Party's strategy to conquer Europe.

"For sure, we know that China is buying what it can in European countries. They've bought engineering companies in Germany, winery in France … It's like a market - they take what's best in each country." - Philippe Herlin, economist