France was the first Western power to officially recognize the People's Republic of China, in 1964. Fifty years later, Paris is marking the occasion by easing visa restrictions for Chinese nationals. But this "old friendship" is increasingly an imbalanced one, as Beijing appears less keen on having French citizens on its soil. Our reporters explain why.

Visit our website:
http://www.france24.com

Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English

Follow us on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/France24_en