In a chilling reminder of rising public violence in China, authorities have executed two men responsible for horrific mass killings in separate incidents. One, Fan Weiqiu, orchestrated the deadliest attack in a decade, while the other, Xu Jiajin, carried out a brutal stabbing spree. Both cases underscore a troubling trend of public grievances spiraling into catastrophic violence.
Deadly rampage in Zhuhai: Fan Weiqiu’s gruesome car attack
Fan Weiqiu, 62, was executed for plowing his car into a crowd of people exercising outside a stadium in Zhuhai on November 11, 2024, killing at least 35 and injuring dozens more. Authorities revealed that Fan’s rampage was fueled by anger over a property dispute following his divorce.
The Zhuhai Intermediate People’s Court, which sentenced Fan to death just weeks after the attack, described his actions as “extremely vile” and his methods “particularly cruel.” Fan was detained at the scene with self-inflicted injuries. Despite China’s lack of transparency regarding execution statistics, his swift execution on Monday sent shockwaves across the nation.
University bloodshed in Wuxi: Xu Jiajin’s stabbing spree
In another horrifying case, Xu Jiajin, 21, launched a knife attack at his university in Wuxi just days after the Zhuhai massacre, killing eight and injuring several others. Authorities said Xu acted out of frustration over failing to obtain his diploma due to poor exam results.
Xu, who confessed to the crime “without hesitation,” was executed following a speedy trial where the court labeled his actions as “particularly bad” and “extremely serious.”
A wave of violence: 2024 sees rise in public attacks
These executions follow a troubling pattern of mass violence in China. The Zhuhai and Wuxi attacks were part of a spike in public killings that reached 19 incidents in 2024 alone. Analysts attribute this surge to rising social pressures, economic struggles, and personal grievances.
In yet another tragic incident days after these attacks, a man in Changde drove into a crowd outside a primary school, injuring 30, including children. Authorities revealed that the perpetrator, Huang Wen, acted out of anger over investment losses and family disputes. Huang was handed a suspended death sentence, which could be commuted to life imprisonment.
What’s fueling the violence?
Experts point to mounting societal stressors in China as a significant factor. Economic stagnation, family conflicts, and growing inequality are leaving many feeling disenfranchised. George Magnus, an economist at Oxford University’s China Centre, noted:
“The tensions do seem to be building, and it doesn’t look like there is any way it is going to ease up in the near future.”
China’s opaque judicial system and heavy reliance on the death penalty add another layer of controversy. Human rights groups estimate the nation carries out thousands of executions annually, but exact figures remain shrouded in secrecy.
The road ahead: Can China address the root causes?
These brutal killings have highlighted deeper societal issues in China, from economic woes to inadequate mental health resources. While the government has swiftly punished perpetrators, analysts argue that addressing the underlying grievances is critical to preventing future violence.
The rise in attacks reflects a society grappling with unresolved tensions. Until systemic reforms are implemented, the cycle of despair and violence may persist, leaving the nation on edge.