China is taking determined steps to end the recent spree of mass killings characterized by what locals term 'revenge on society crimes.' Following shocking incidents, including one where 35 individuals were killed, President Xi Jinping has mandated local governments to implement measures aimed at preventing future occurrences of such extreme violence.
These mass killings have not been isolated events; they have become more prominent, alarming the populace and prompting officials to act. The attacks often involve drivers mowing down pedestrians or assailants wielding knives. Authorities aim to pinpoint the underlying personal disputes—be it marital discord or financial issues—that might provoke such outbursts.
Highlighting the severity of recent tragedies, the case of Fan Weiqiu stands out. On December 27, 2024, he was sentenced to death for the November attack where he drove his vehicle through a crowd, killing 35 individuals who were exercising at a sports center. Court officials described the crime as "extremely vile" and indicative of deep-seated grievances, particularly stemming from his dissatisfaction with divorce settlements.
According to the sentencing court, Fan's "criminal motive was extremely despicable, the nature of the crime was extremely vile, the means of the crime were particularly cruel, and the consequences were particularly severe, resulting in great social harm." Such spirals of violence, as experts note, highlight the growing feeling of injustice embedded within Chinese society. Wu Qiang, a former political science professor, remarked, "On the surface, it seems like there are individual factors, but we see there’s a common link. Every person has a feeling of injustice. They feel deeply this society is very unfair and they can’t bear it anymore."
This latest crackdown on mass killings is part of a broader pattern of increasing state surveillance and control over citizens’ personal lives, particularly as local governments are pushed to investigate disputes before they escalate. The stakes are high, with local leaders prompted to examine conflicts related to marriage, inheritance, and other social pressures. The number of recent violent attacks has caused significant concern, drawing widespread media attention.
Xi Jinping’s directive is understood as part of efforts to bolster public safety and reduce the risk of conflict-related aggression. He called on local authorities to "strengthen prevention and control of risks at the source, strictly prevent extreme cases from occurring, and to resolve conflicts and disputes timely," as reported by the official Xinhua news agency.
Local initiative responses varied, reflecting the urgency of the situation. A leader from Anhui province was seen urging investigators to "ferret out any hidden risks" after touring schools and police facilities. Previous events have indicated how rapidly the governmental response can turn authoritarian, leading to fears about the potential for excessive measures. Lynette Ong from the University of Toronto warned, "If you nip the conflict in its bud, you’d...impose pressure on schools, enterprises and factories," signaling the dangers of overreach.
While addressing the immediate threat to public safety, the Chinese government is simultaneously attempting to suppress information related to these events. Censorship has become prevalent, with videos and eyewitness accounts of the attacks swiftly removed from social media, reflecting the state’s intent to control the narrative. For example, details surrounding the death toll from the Zhuhai incident were not disclosed until long after the event, raising eyebrows about transparency.
According to data obtained from various local sources, the Chinese authorities officially counted 35 fatalities from the Zhuhai attack, with another 43 individuals injured during the ordeal. The perpetrator, Fan, was discovered attempting to harm himself shortly after the attack, indicative of the societal turmoil surrounding these events.
Fan's case, alongside earlier incidents, emphasizes the troubling rise of violence stemming from personal grievances, posing complex challenges for the Chinese government. While there have been successful sentencing outcomes, including fast-tracked court decisions unusual for normal judicial processes, it remains to be seen if these measures can effectively curb the troubling trend of violence.
The Chinese state’s attempts to mitigate violence through heightened control and surveillance conjure worries of exacerbated tensions among the populace. When the government imposes strict measures during crises without addressing the underlying issues, they risk igniting resistance. Rose Luqiu, formerly of state-owned Phoenix Television, concluded, "The only method to deal with it is to strengthen control," illustrating the dual nature of the government’s strategy, which blends prevention with oppressive oversight.
With public sentiment teetering on the edge and state mechanisms functioning under increasing pressure, it is clear the looming threat of future mass killings demands both immediate and effective solutions. Whether the authorities can balance control with compassion for the countless grievances of their citizens remains to be seen as this tragic chapter continues to unfurl.
