China's leader has issued a directive to local governments to prevent future mass killings following a recent surge of violent attacks in the country. These attacks, labeled as 'Revenge on Society Crimes,' have raised concerns about societal pressures and the tightening grip of the Chinese state over social and political aspects.
In November alone, three incidents occurred, including a man injuring 30 people at an elementary school, a student killing eight at a vocational school, and a man mowing down 35 individuals in a crowd. Experts suggest a common link of perceived injustice and societal pressure among perpetrators of such attacks.
Since 2015, Chinese authorities have cracked down on civil society, targeting human rights lawyers and advocacy groups, leading to increased surveillance and control over dissenting voices.
The Chinese government has imposed strict censorship measures to control the reporting of violent incidents, making it challenging to analyze mass killing trends in the country. Officials are now focusing on ferreting out hidden risks and resolving conflicts to prevent future extreme cases.
Local governments across China have pledged to strengthen prevention measures and investigate disputes in various settings, including families, marriages, and neighborhoods. However, concerns have been raised about the detection of underlying conflicts and the potential for increased pressure on schools, enterprises, and factories.
Experts warn of a potential vicious cycle if overly stringent measures are implemented, drawing parallels to the strict policies enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the importance of balanced approaches to conflict resolution to avoid escalating tensions and public discontent.