A 10-year-old Japanese student at a school in China’s southern city of Shenzhen died after being stabbed on his way to school. The attack occurred on Wednesday, about 220 yards away from the Shenzhen Japanese School, and a suspect, identified as 44-year-old Zhong, was apprehended at the scene. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida strongly condemned the incident, calling it “an extremely despicable crime and a serious and grave matter”. He urged Beijing to provide all the facts pertaining to the case, while refraining from making any prejudgments about how the stabbing might affect China-Japan relations.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed deep sadness and distress over the incident, extending condolences to the boy’s family. Spokesperson Lin Jian assured that effective measures will continue to be taken to ensure the safety of foreigners in China, including Japanese nationals.
The incident coincided with the anniversary of the 1931 Mukden incident, a sensitive date in China-Japan relations. Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Yoko Kamikawa noted that Tokyo had requested enhanced security measures ahead of the anniversary, following a previous stabbing attack in June that injured a Japanese woman and her child.
Tensions between China and Japan have been strained due to heightened Chinese military activity in the Asia-Pacific region and historical grievances. However, Chinese social media has seen an outpouring of sympathy for the student, with many condemning the attack and hoping for improved China-Japan relations.
Flags at Japanese diplomatic missions in mainland China and Hong Kong were lowered on Thursday in mourning. The incident has sparked diplomatic concerns, with Japan demanding a thorough investigation and enhanced safety measures to protect its nationals in China.
In a related development, the Japanese Embassy in Beijing warned its citizens to be vigilant and take precautions, citing recent knife attacks in China. The embassy and the Japanese Consulate in Guangzhou have requested explanations and measures from the Chinese side to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.
The incident highlights the complex and sensitive nature of China-Japan relations, with historical grievances and current tensions posing challenges to diplomatic ties .
