Shanghai, China — The Consul-General of Japan in Shanghai has made a formal request to the mayor of Suzhou for detailed information regarding a violent attack that resulted in injuries to two Japanese nationals. This plea underscores the growing concerns over the safety of Japanese residents in China amid a recent spate of violent incidents.
During a meeting on Friday, Consul-General Okada Masaru expressed these worries to Wu Qingwen, deputy mayor of Suzhou, a major city in eastern China. The discussion centered on a distressing episode in June where a knife-wielding assailant attacked a bus stop designated for a Japanese school in Suzhou, wounding a Japanese woman and her child.
The incident tragically also claimed the life of a Chinese female bus attendant who attempted to intervene. This attack is part of a disturbing trend, as another alarming event occurred in September when a Japanese boy was fatally stabbed en route to a Japanese school in Shenzhen.
Okada emphasized to Mayor Wu that the security of Japanese citizens in China is fundamental to maintaining and enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries, which include strong economic partnerships. He urged the local government to prioritize the safety of Japanese expatriates and to provide transparent details about the attack’s circumstances.
In response, Wu described the bus stop attack in June as an “isolated incident” and assured that the city would keep Japanese authorities updated with any new findings in their ongoing investigation.
These incidents have instilled pervasive anxiety among the Japanese community in China and have led to increased security measures at Japanese schools throughout the country. In collaboration with local Chinese governments, these schools are ramping up efforts to protect their students and staff.
However, the lack of detailed information from Chinese authorities regarding the reasons behind these attacks continues to fuel safety concerns. The community is calling for more transparent communication to better understand the motives and prevent further incidents.
The recent violence highlights broader issues of public safety and international relations, reflecting the challenges that both nations face in fostering a secure environment for foreign nationals. As tensions persist, the diplomatic dialogue between Japan and China remains crucial in addressing these critical issues of safety and cooperation.