yes, I also hear that the visa rule for French applicants has been tightened. A french man married a UK woman, when he applied for China visa in London, his application is refused without any reason. There are two options, 1. You can apply for a China visa for your son in Hk, I guess that it is convenient for you to do so if you are in Hk. 2. go to the entry port of Shenzhen to apply for Hk visa, if his application is refused, you won't lose much money, Shenzhen is very near to HK.