Japan's prime minister has demanded an explanation from Beijing following the fatal stabbing of a 10-year-old Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen, China. This incident marks the second knife attack on Japanese children in China in recent months.
The boy, who was on his way to school, was stabbed by a 44-year-old man near the Japanese school's gates. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, who had a history of previous detentions, was promptly apprehended by Shenzhen police.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the attack as a despicable crime and urged China to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals within its borders. He called for a swift explanation from the Chinese authorities regarding the incident.
China's foreign ministry expressed regret over the incident, offering condolences to the victim's family. The ministry spokesperson emphasized that the case was under investigation and deemed it an isolated incident.
The attack occurred on a significant date, the anniversary of the '918' incident in 1931, which holds historical significance in China-Japan relations. While the motive behind the attack remains undisclosed, rising nationalism and anti-Japanese sentiments in China have sparked concerns.
Prior to this incident, a similar stabbing targeted a Japanese woman and her child in Suzhou, China, resulting in the death of a bus attendant who intervened. These incidents have prompted Japan to request enhanced safety measures for Japanese schools in China.
Although public attacks against foreigners have been uncommon in China, a recent spate of stabbings, including an attack on American college instructors, has raised apprehensions. Chinese authorities have labeled these incidents as isolated and have not disclosed further details on the motives behind the attacks.
