Without getting involved in the spat, it is vital pilots speak the same language without making a political thing of it. It may be worldwide Mandarin in 30 years, but for now it is English- French has historically had far too little general useage around the world apart from being a place to borrow words when we can't think of one in English! But if not English, Spanish is currently the next most useful worldwide language. But in a generation, we will all be swept away by Oriental anyway. But for now, I want to be able to fly anywhere and understand what's going on. English it is. And French accented English is attractive. It is not an admission of national defeat, it is in the cause of understanding. I appreciate people are speaking it as a second or third language and I appreciate they are making an effort to do so. Universal comprehension is the word.
Now get learning Mandarin you young pilots!