Suzhou: A Chinese man who attacked a Japanese mother and child last June was sentenced to death in Suzhou.
The 52-year-old, identified as Zhou, also fatally stabbed a bus attendant trying to protect the victims.
Attack Motivated by Despair Over Debts
The Suzhou court determined Zhou carried out the stabbing after becoming deeply indebted and losing interest in life.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed the ruling, highlighting the gravity of the crime.
“The brutal attack, including on an innocent child, is unforgivable,” Hayashi said during a press conference Thursday.
Limited Public Details on Sentencing
Chinese authorities have not yet publicly released detailed information about the court’s decision or Zhou’s motivations.
However, Japan’s Consul General in Shanghai attended the sentencing, demonstrating international interest in the case.
Japanese Government Demands Safety for Nationals
The Japanese government called on China to better protect its citizens living and working within the country.
“Safety of our nationals abroad remains a top priority,” Hayashi reiterated during his remarks.
Attack on Innocent Victims Sparks Outrage
The attack took place on June 24 near a Japanese school in Suzhou, during student pick-up hours.
The Japanese mother and her child sustained injuries, but their wounds were not life-threatening, officials reported.
Tragically, a Chinese bus attendant who intervened later succumbed to her injuries despite attempts to save her.
Anti-Japanese Sentiment Under Scrutiny
The stabbing has sparked concerns about rising anti-Japanese sentiment in China, fueled by social media and nationalism.
The incident was one of two attacks on Japanese nationals in China last year, leading to heightened diplomatic tensions.
Knife attacks are relatively common in China, where firearms are tightly regulated, often targeting random individuals.
These attacks, especially near schools and public areas, have triggered widespread public and governmental alarm.
Government Highlights Need for Stronger Protections
Hayashi demanded better protections for foreign nationals in China while condemning the violence as wholly unacceptable.
“The verdict emphasizes the seriousness of the attack, but safety concerns for our nationals remain urgent,” he stated.
Broader Issues of Nationalism and Xenophobia
Observers have linked the increase in anti-foreign violence in China to rising nationalism and xenophobia.
China’s state-controlled media and censored social platforms often contribute to these negative sentiments, critics claim.
The death sentence sends a strong message about the consequences of such violent acts, yet broader concerns remain unresolved.
