Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has called for an explanation from Beijing following the fatal stabbing of a 10-year-old schoolboy near a Japanese school in Shenzhen.
The incident marks the second knife attack on Japanese children in China in recent months.
The boy, who had a Japanese father and a Chinese mother, was attacked on his way to class, about 200 meters from the school.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, he later succumbed to his injuries. A 44-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene; he had a history of prior detentions for public order offenses, according to Shenzhen police.
Describing the attack as “a despicable crime and a serious and grave matter,” Kishida emphasized the need for China to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.
He stated, “We strongly demand that the Chinese side explain the facts of the case… Such an incident must never be repeated.”
In response, China’s foreign ministry expressed “regret and heartache” over the incident, calling it an “unfortunate event.”
Spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the attack was being investigated and characterized it as an “isolated incident,” adding that “China has always taken, and will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of all foreign nationals in China.”
The timing of the attack coincided with the anniversary of the “918” incident in 1931, which marked the beginning of Japan’s invasion of northeastern China.
This emotionally charged date has led to heightened nationalism and anti-Japanese sentiment within China, often inflamed by state media narratives.
Previous attacks have raised concerns, including a stabbing incident in June where a Chinese man injured a Japanese woman and her child.
Following that event, Japan urged schools in China to enhance safety measures. Minister Kamikawa expressed disappointment that such a tragedy occurred despite these precautions.
While the foreign ministry in China has labeled the recent attacks as “isolated incidents,” public safety concerns regarding foreigners have grown due to a series of high-profile stabbings in recent months.
Source-CNN
