BEIJING - The China Tourism Association has expressed concerns over the safety of Chinese tourists visiting France.

An association official on Saturday urged the French authorities to strengthen the protection of Chinese tourists.

More than one million Chinese people visit the European country every year, according to official figure.

The concerns come after a Chinese tour group with 23 members were robbed at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday local time after having dinner in Paris. Their passports, passenger tickets and cash were looted and the group leader was hurt.

The association called for the arrest of those responsible and proper handling of the case as quickly as possible.