A Chinese court has sentenced a man to death for the fatal stabbing of a 10-year-old Japanese schoolboy marking one of several recent high-profile cases of violent attacks on foreigners in China.
The incident in Shenzhen occurred in September during a period marked by rising public violence in China, with perpetrators often driven by personal grievances.
The attack was one of several targeting foreign nationals in 2024, including a stabbing in Suzhou and an incident in Jilin that injured four U.S. college instructors, BBC reported.
These cases have heightened concerns among expatriates, prompting Japanese corporations to implement safety measures for their staff in China.
On Friday, the Shenzhen court handed down the death penalty, citing the significant societal impact of the murder. The attack claimed the life of a Japanese child and contributed to growing tensions between expatriate communities and concerns over public safety in China.
In response to this and other attacks, Japanese officials, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, condemned the violence, labeling it "absolutely unforgivable."
Chinese authorities have pledged to ensure the safety of foreign nationals while continuing to address the surge in public violence. The case is likely to reinforce concerns among expatriates and international businesses operating in China, potentially impacting foreign relations and investments.
Companies such as Toyota, Toshiba and Panasonic have already advised staff to remain vigilant, with some offering repatriation options.
Meanwhile, China faces domestic and international scrutiny over its handling of such cases and the broader issue of societal violence.
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