Four American Instructors Stabbed in China

Global Incidents and Public Safety Concerns

stabbing, American College, China — Brutal’ Stabbing Incident in China

Introduction to Global Incidents

Stabbing people has become a common phenomenon around the world. Recently, four instructors from an American college were stabbed while visiting China. Such violent occurrences highlight the growing concern for public safety and the unpredictable nature of violent crime.

Specific Incident Involving Cornell College Instructors

Four instructors from Cornell College, a private liberal arts institution in Mount Vernon, Iowa, were attacked while visiting a public park in China. This incident marks a rare instance of violent crime against foreigners in a country known for its stringent security.

Details of the Incident

The incident took place on Monday at Beishan Park in Jilin city, where the educators were participating in a partnership program with Beihua University. Cornell College President Jonathan Brand confirmed that the college has been in contact with all four instructors and is providing assistance. Notably, no students were involved in the program.

Aftermath and Public Reaction

Footage of the aftermath, which quickly circulated on Chinese social media before being censored, depicted two men and a woman lying on the ground with visible blood stains, surrounded by onlookers. The victims appeared conscious and were using their cell phones. CNN verified the video’s location, confirming it was indeed at Beishan Park, a popular spot in Jilin city center, less than a 30-minute drive from Beihua University.

Official Statements and Investigation

The attack occurred on a public holiday in China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry acknowledged the incident on Tuesday, stating that the teachers were immediately taken to the hospital and did not sustain life-threatening injuries. A ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, mentioned that initial investigations suggested the attack was an isolated incident, though further inquiries are ongoing. The motives and identity of the assailant(s) remain unknown.

Victims and Personal Connections

One of the victims, David Zabner, is the brother of Iowa state representative Adam Zabner. Rep. Zabner confirmed his brother’s condition, stating that he was recovering after receiving stitches. Knife attacks, while not uncommon in China due to strict gun control, rarely target foreigners.

Broader Context and Implications

This stabbing incident comes at a time when China is trying to re-attract international visitors following stringent COVID-19 border controls and aims to enhance educational exchanges with the United States to stabilize their strained relationship. Iowa officials expressed their concerns, with Governor Kim Reynolds calling it a “horrifying attack,” and Rep. Ashley Hinson vowed to do everything possible to ensure the safe return of the Iowan victims.

Social Media and Public Opinion

On China’s social media platforms, discussion and visuals of the attack were swiftly censored, though by noon Tuesday, some comments began to surface. Chinese internet users expressed their horror at the incident and questioned why domestic media were not reporting it. Concerns were also raised about the potential impact on China’s international image and its ability to attract foreign visitors amid rising nationalism and anti-American sentiment.

Government Response and Assurance

In response to these concerns, the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that such incidents would not affect educational exchanges between China and the US. Spokesperson Lin stated that people-to-people and cultural exchanges serve the common interests of both nations and have received widespread support. Lin reiterated that China is recognized as one of the safest countries globally and will continue to take effective measures to protect foreigners’ safety.

Background of the Partnership

Cornell College’s partnership with Beihua University began in 2018. This program funds educators from the Iowa college to teach courses in computer science, math, and physics in China over two-week periods. This collaboration is part of broader efforts by China to enhance educational ties with the US, which have suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic and bilateral tensions.

Future Initiatives and Historical Context

During a visit to the US in November, Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced a plan to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over the next five years to foster personal ties between the two nations. Xi has a longstanding connection with Iowa, having visited the state nearly four decades ago and described his experience there as “unforgettable.” Last week, Xi encouraged increased cooperation between universities in China and the US in a letter to the president of Kean University in New Jersey, which has a joint venture with Wenzhou University.

Incidents of Mass Stabbings in China

Despite its low rates of violent crime, China has experienced several mass stabbings in public places. In May, a knife attack in a Yunnan province hospital resulted in two deaths and 21 injuries. Similar incidents have occurred in kindergartens in Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces, leading to multiple casualties.

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