Japanese communities in China are beefing up security measures following the fatal stabbing of a Japanese schoolboy in the southern city of Shenzhen one week ago.
The 10-year-old child was on his way to a Japanese school when he was attacked by a male assailant on September 18. Chinese authorities have not disclosed a possible motive or other details of the crime.
The lack of information is fueling fear among Japanese expatriates. A man in his 30s engaged in trade-related business in Shenzhen said he has become nervous when walking alone, and that the city is no longer a place he can consider living over the long term.
Security has been strengthened at a condominium for Japanese residents in Guangzhou, near Shenzhen. The number of guards has been doubled to four, with stab proof clothing and shields provided to them. They will be on standby when a school bus arrives.
The firm that manages the condominium says it will try to ease the concerns of residents by responding to their requests to improve safety.
On Tuesday, the Japanese Ambassador to China visited Dalian in the northeastern province of Liaoning. The city is home to more than 1,700 Japanese firms and a Japanese school.
Ambassador Kanasugi Kenji urged Dalian Communist Party Secretary Xiong Maoping to secure the safety of Japanese nationals and step up security at the Japanese school.
Kanasugi expressed concern that the fatal stabbing is affecting bilateral relations. He said Japanese business activities in China is at a major crossroads. He called the situation “extremely serious.”
Xiong said he is taking the Japanese people’s concerns very seriously. He said Chinese authorities are strengthening security for students on their way to and from the Japanese school.
Kanasugi later told reporters that the case should have never happened and must never be repeated. He said safety must be secured in cooperation with the Chinese side.