China Executes Man Who Stabbed Japanese School Boy, Triggering Diplomatic Tensions

On Monday, China executed Zhong Changchun, a man sentenced to death for fatally stabbing 10-year-old Kenji Shiino in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, last September. The tragic incident, which occurred near the boy’s Japanese school, has ignited significant diplomatic tensions between China and Japan. Shiino, who had a Japanese father and Chinese mother, died from his injuries. The Japanese embassy in China released a statement expressing “the utmost solemnity” over the execution, stating that the murder of an innocent child was an ‘unforgivable crime’ and emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding the safety of Japanese nationals residing in China.

The case initially sparked widespread concern among Japanese communities living in China, leading several companies – including Toyota and Panasonic – to proactively advise employees to take precautions and offer free repatriation flights. Concerns were amplified by a series of similar incidents involving foreigners in China, most notably the stabbing of four American teachers in Jilin province last year. In June, a man attacked a Japanese mother and her child at a bus stop in Suzhou, resulting in the death of a Chinese woman who bravely intervened to protect them; that perpetrator was also subsequently executed by Chinese authorities.

Adding another layer of complexity is the historical context surrounding this case. The stabbing occurred on September 18th, an anniversary commemorating the Japanese occupation of Manchuria in China during the early 20th century. This date holds significant political weight and has long fueled underlying tensions between the two nations. China continues to demand a formal apology from Japan regarding its colonial and wartime actions, accusing Tokyo of minimizing its role in atrocities. Furthermore, online commentary within China highlighted the incident as occurring amidst a growing trend of anti-foreigner sentiment fueled by nationalist narratives on social media.

Kenji Kanasugi, Japan’s ambassador to China, revealed that Zhong Changchun had requested an audience with the victim’s family but did not disclose whether he specifically targeted Japanese nationals. The verdict itself made no explicit reference to Japan; however, the broader context underscores a complex interplay of historical grievances, nationalist sentiments, and ongoing diplomatic challenges between China and Japan.