A tragic kindergarten stabbing in Lianjiang, Guangdong province on July 10, China has left six people dead, including three children reports BBC. The suspect, identified as a 25-year-old man named Wu, was swiftly arrested by the police. The victims include a teacher and two parents, while one person sustained injuries. The attack occurred during the morning drop-off at the school, targeting parents as they were bringing their children to summer classes. Police have classified the incident as a case of intentional assault.
The news of the stabbing spread quickly on Chinese social media, leading to widespread shock and outrage. This incident is unfortunately not an isolated event, as China has experienced a number of knife attacks in educational institutions over the years. Firearms are prohibited in the country, contributing to a prevalence of knife-related incidents. Since 2010, at least 17 knife attacks have been recorded in schools, colleges, and universities, with a significant increase between 2018 and 2023.
Experts point out various factors that could contribute to the rise in mass stabbings in China, including the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Prolonged lockdowns and their consequences, such as job losses, economic downturns, and strained relationships, may have fueled feelings of anger, resentment, and frustration in some individuals. Moreover, societal pressures, particularly on young men, along with high youth unemployment rates and income disparities, are believed to add to the stressors that could trigger violent acts.
Chinese authorities have been taking measures to enhance school security since 2010, emphasising the need to crack down on criminal activities and ensure the safety of students and teachers. Following the April 2021 attack, the education ministry implemented mandatory emergency evacuation drills in schools. In light of concerns about potential copycat attacks, the Chinese government has limited the dissemination of detailed information about the recent incident in Lianjiang.
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