Grass-roots sentiment against the French is getting so heated in China that the government is now trying to cool things down. 

Last time Chinese nationalism got out of control, the government called for calm in the name of "social harmony."

This time, the rationale is economic development (the big dog on the national agenda and one of the best ways for citizens to serve the nation). Reminding the people of China's struggles is a great antidote to anger directed at foreign corporations, or so a commentary run by state news agency Xinhua appears to hope:

Thirty years of reform and opening up have created a China miracle... But we must be crystal clear that for China that has endured so much, the future road will not be all smooth-going."

The commentary also calls the anger "unadorned" and a "sincere demonstration of public opinion."

The government clearly has a lot of reigning in to do: A survey conducted in 10 Chinese cities found that two thirds of respondents support a boycott against French supermarket chain Carrefour.