Mon Sep 23 21:50:45 UTC 2024: ## Japan Demands Answers and Increased Security After Fatal Stabbing of Japanese Schoolboy in China

**Tokyo, Japan** – Japan has strongly condemned the fatal stabbing of a 10-year-old Japanese boy in Shenzhen, China, demanding answers and increased security measures for Japanese citizens in the country.

Japanese Senior Vice Foreign Minister Yoshifumi Tsuge met with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong on Monday to express Japan’s deep concern over the incident and demand clarification of the facts, including the suspect’s motive. However, Sun did not provide a clear response to Tsuge’s request for information.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has sparked outrage in Japan, with speculation that the suspect targeted the Japanese child as a form of anti-Japanese sentiment. The killing took place on the 93rd anniversary of a Japanese bombing of a railroad track near Shenyang, a historical event that led to Japan’s invasion and occupation of northeastern China.

Tsuge also urged China to take steps to curb abusive social media posts targeting Japan, including unfounded claims about Japanese schools in China being used to train spies. He stressed that without understanding the motive behind the attack, Japan cannot take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of its citizens in China.

In response, Sun pledged that China will oppose and control violence and prioritize the safety of foreigners in China, including Japanese residents. However, he did not address Japan’s concerns about online hate speech.

Following the meeting, the Japanese government announced the allocation of 43 million yen as an emergency measure to enhance security at 12 Japanese schools in China, including those in Hong Kong.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa also held talks with top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, reiterating Japan’s demands for a thorough investigation, information sharing, and action against anti-Japanese online content. Wang responded that the incident was an “incidental, individual case” and that Chinese authorities would handle it according to the law.

The incident has highlighted the growing tension between Japan and China, with concerns about anti-Japanese sentiment in China and the safety of Japanese nationals in the country.

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