On September 20th, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa announced during a press conference plans to dispatch three deputy ministers to China in order to communicate at the governmental level and obtain detailed information regarding the incident of a Japanese boy being fatally stabbed in Shenzhen.
According to the report by “Nikkei,” Kamikawa stated, “Through various channels, including at the ambassadorial level, we are strongly urging China to provide a clear explanation of the incident and ensure the safety of children.”
She emphasized, “We will do our utmost to prioritize the safety of Japanese schools throughout China, especially the safety of the children.”
Kamikawa explained that measures will be taken, including assessing local school commuting procedures and reevaluating security measures, as well as providing mental support to parents and children.
On the morning of the 18th, a 10-year-old boy from the Shenzhen Japanese School was stabbed on his way to school and tragically succumbed to his injuries the following day. The incident has stirred significant unease within the Japanese community in China.
According to the 2023 statistics from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 3,600 Japanese citizens reside in Shenzhen. Additionally, based on last year’s data, there are around 13,000 Japanese companies conducting business in China.
Following the incident, Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi rushed to Shenzhen, and the Japanese Embassy in Beijing convened an emergency meeting with executives of Japanese-affiliated companies.
Quoting sources within the Japanese government, Kyodo News reported on the 19th, “This incident may have various impacts on the overall Japan-China relationship.”
The report indicated that Japanese government officials and business stakeholders are grappling with the challenge of balancing conducting business in the vast Chinese market with ensuring the safety of Japanese expatriates.
As a precautionary measure, some Japanese companies have instructed employees and their families to refrain from unnecessary outings and gatherings. Many Japanese firms are also considering or already planning to repatriate family members of expatriate employees back to Japan for safety.
Given a similar incident that occurred in June, which resulted in the death of Chinese train attendant Hu Youping, it has raised concerns about the safety of foreigners in China beyond just Japanese nationals.
American economist David Huang, in an interview with “Epoch Times” on the 19th, expressed that the consecutive attacks on foreigners, not only Japanese but also Americans, have raised serious safety issues for foreigners in China.
Huang further stated that if companies reduce investment or even cease operations in China, it would have “devastating” consequences for China’s economic development.