BANGKOK (AP) — The directive was issued by China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, in response to a recent series of shocking mass killings in the country. Xi Jinping emphasized the need to prevent future “extreme cases” of violence, instructing local governments to take action.
The attacks, including incidents where individuals deliberately targeted pedestrians with vehicles or carried out multiple stabbings, are not uncommon in China. However, the recent spike in such incidents has raised concerns. Local officials have pledged to investigate various personal disputes that could potentially lead to violent acts, ranging from domestic issues to disagreements over inheritance.
The increased scrutiny into people’s private lives has sparked worries, especially as the Chinese government has already tightened its control over various societal and political aspects in the nation. These violent incidents are often referred to as “Revenge on Society Crimes” by the Chinese populace.
In November alone, there were three notable attacks, including a man injuring 30 people at an elementary school in Hunan province due to financial losses, a student killing eight at a vocational school in Yixing after failing an exam, and a man causing harm to 35 individuals in Zhuhai following a divorce dispute.
While determining the exact motives behind these attacks can be challenging, experts point to a pervasive sense of injustice and pressure within Chinese society as a common thread. The crackdown on human rights advocates and civil society groups by Chinese authorities has further heightened tensions and limited avenues for addressing grievances.
In recent years, the Chinese government has tightened control over information regarding violent incidents, restricting media coverage and censoring online content related to such events. This has made it difficult to track trends in mass killings within the country compared to other nations like the U.S.
Experts like Rose Luqiu believe that the government’s censorship measures may be aimed at deterring potential copycat crimes but could also lead to further restrictions on information and freedom of expression. As officials pledge to identify and address hidden risks that could trigger violence, concerns persist about the implications of increased control and surveillance in Chinese society.
In response to a recent wave of violent incidents, Xi Jinping, the Chinese President, has called on local governments to intensify efforts to prevent and control risks at their source. The official Xinhua news agency reported that Xi emphasized the need to strictly avert extreme cases and promptly address conflicts and disputes. Following Xi’s directive, numerous local government entities across the country have issued notices outlining specific actions to address the escalating situation.
In Anhui province located in eastern China, a senior Communist Party official conducted inspections at various sites including a middle school, a local police station, and a chemical factory. During his visit to the factory, the official urged workers to proactively identify and address any hidden risks that could potentially lead to conflict. Emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation and resolution of disputes, the official highlighted the need to address conflicts within families, marriages, and neighborhoods. Subsequently, both police and prosecutors echoed similar sentiments in their public statements.
The Ministry of Justice also pledged to mitigate conflicts by investigating disputes related to inheritance, housing, land, and unpaid wages. Despite these efforts, concerns have been raised regarding the detection of potential conflicts and disputes. Lynette Ong, a professor at the University of Toronto and an expert on Chinese state power, expressed apprehension about the potential consequences of preemptively addressing conflicts, warning of a possible escalation in pressure on schools, enterprises, and factories.
Ong drew parallels between the current situation and China’s stringent measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noting that neighborhood committees resorted to extreme measures like setting up barriers and disinfecting homes, Ong highlighted the public backlash that ensued as a result of perceived heavy-handed tactics. She cautioned that implementing unreasonable measures could provoke resistance, anger, and grievances among the population, leading to a self-perpetuating cycle of increasingly extreme measures.
As local governments mobilize to implement Xi’s directive, the focus remains on proactively identifying and addressing potential sources of conflict to prevent further escalation. The recent announcements and actions taken by authorities serve as a reminder of the delicate balance required to manage societal tensions effectively while avoiding exacerbating underlying issues. Time will tell how these measures impact the social landscape and whether they succeed in curbing the current wave of violence and unrest.
