A Chinese woman, Hu Youping, who heroically intervened in a knife attack to protect a Japanese mother and her child in Suzhou, has passed away from her injuries. The incident occurred while she was working as a school bus attendant near a Japanese school. Hu Youping sustained severe injuries while attempting to restrain the assailant, a 52-year-old Chinese man, who was subsequently arrested at the scene.
The Japanese woman and her child, who were the initial targets of the attack, suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. Hu’s courageous actions have led to widespread tributes both online and offline. In recognition of her bravery, the local government has bestowed upon her the title of “Righteous and Courageous Role Model.”
The Japanese embassy in China expressed its sorrow over Hu’s passing, lowering its flag to half-mast in her honor. In a statement on Weibo, the embassy conveyed its condolences and praised Hu’s selflessness, stating, “We believe [Ms Hu’s] courage and kindness also represent that of the Chinese people. We pay tribute to her righteous deeds. May she rest in peace.”
Chinese social media platforms have seen an outpouring of condolences and praise for Hu Youping. Comments on Weibo have celebrated her bravery and kindness, with one noting, “We will remember your kindness and bravery, for you protected the safety of our Japanese friends and preserved the reputation of ordinary Chinese people.” Another described her as an “ordinary, virtuous, courageous Chinese sister.”
The Global Times, a Chinese state newspaper, paid tribute to Hu in an editorial, reaffirming China’s status as “one of the safest countries in the world.” The paper also reported that Weibo had removed 759 posts that incited nationalist sentiment in the wake of the attack. These posts contained “extreme opinions” that promoted group hatred and even celebrated criminal behavior under the guise of patriotism.
The stabbing incident has sparked concern within the local Japanese community, prompting the Japanese embassy to issue a safety alert advising its citizens in China to take precautions. China’s foreign ministry described the attack as “regrettable” and assured that effective measures would be taken to protect all foreigners in China.
This attack in Suzhou follows a series of recent knife attacks in China, including one in Jilin earlier this month where four U.S. university instructors were injured. In the past year, other incidents include a May attack at a primary school in Jiangxi province, which resulted in two deaths and 10 injuries, and a hospital stabbing in Yunnan with two fatalities and 21 wounded. Additionally, a July attack last year at a kindergarten in Guangdong province claimed the lives of six people, including three children.
Hu Youping’s actions stand as a poignant reminder of individual bravery and compassion in the face of danger, embodying a spirit of selfless protection and solidarity.
