A 10-year-old Japanese boy enrolled in a Japanese school in Shenzhen, China, has died after being stabbed on his way to school on Wednesday morning.
The boy, who had a Japanese father and a Chinese mother, was attacked by a 44-year-old assailant identified by the surname Zhong. Despite efforts by medical professionals, the boy succumbed to his injuries early on Thursday.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa confirmed the tragedy, while a spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry, Lin Jian, stated that Chinese authorities would assist the boy’s family in handling the necessary arrangements. Lin also noted that the incident appears to be an isolated case and emphasized that such tragic occurrences could happen in any country.
This is the second attack near Japanese educational institutions in China in recent months, raising concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in the region.
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On Thursday, mourners laid wreaths at the gates of the Japanese school in Shenzhen’s affluent Shekou district, a hub for the city’s international community, following the tragic incident. The incident, which took place on the anniversary of the 1931 Mukden Incident that led to conflict between China and Japan, has raised concerns about rising tensions. A local resident expressed opposition to hatred and violence, noting the harmful effects of long-standing animosity.
The Japanese community in Shenzhen is on edge, with a Japanese father, Suzuki, admitting that he had not been aware of the sensitivity surrounding the date. Japan has urged China to provide a detailed explanation of the attack and implement stronger safety measures. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa expressed deep regret and stressed the gravity of the crime, particularly as it involved a child.
The local Japanese Chamber of Commerce has also called on the Japanese government to ensure the safety of its nationals. This follows another violent incident in June near a Japanese school in Suzhou, where a man attacked a bus, resulting in the death of a Chinese national who tried to protect a Japanese mother and her child. These recent attacks have heightened fears within the Japanese community in China, underscoring the need for heightened security and vigilance amidst deteriorating diplomatic relations.
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