"Security Surveillance at Memorial Site" Rising China-Japan Tensions Over Murder of Japanese Boy

Security forces deployed on site... Photographed flower wreath senders for records
Japanese media unanimously criticize, "Chinese government effectively escalated the issue"

Tensions between China and Japan are escalating following the death of a 10-year-old Japanese child attending a Japanese school in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, who was attacked by an assailant.

On the 23rd, Asahi Shimbun reported from the scene of the victim's school, stating, "Most of the bouquets at the memorial site are delivered by motorcycle," and added, "This reminds us of the reality of Chinese society, conscious of government surveillance." Around the memorial site, dozens of individuals presumed to be plainclothes Chinese public security officers have been stationed, reportedly taking photos of Chinese mourners and examining the condolence messages written on the bouquets. Although major Chinese media have not reported on the incident, Asahi said that news spread through social networking services (SNS) has led to a noticeable increase in floral tributes delivered to the school.

A student at a Japanese school in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, was attacked by an assailant and died, leading people to lay flowers at the school gate. (Photo by NHK)

A Chinese man in his 30s who visited the site holding a bouquet and spoke to Asahi's reporters said, "If I visit the site, I might end up behind bars in two days," but added, "Ordinary people think such incidents should never happen."

Japanese media have been criticizing the Chinese government's stance daily. They argue that the Chinese government has allowed fake news related to the Japanese school circulating on SNS to fester anti-Japanese sentiment and has not provided any substantial explanation even after the incident occurred. On the day of the incident, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Zhen expressed "regret and deep sorrow" at a press conference and promised necessary support, but when asked about the motive or investigation details, he responded, "This incident was committed by an individual, and similar incidents can happen in any country."

On the previous day, Sankei Shimbun claimed, "On Chinese SNS, there are baseless posts attempting to downplay the incident by saying similar attacks targeting Chinese people are happening in Japan." It added, "On Weibo, comments on posts mourning the victim ask how Chinese people who died in Japan are viewed," and stated, "Previously, rumors such as Japanese schools being spy training centers have been left unchecked and spread on Chinese SNS. Such narratives have likely fueled anti-Japanese moods and influenced the incident."

A bouquet placed at the school main gate and a memorial message written in Chinese. (Photo by NHK)

Saishin Nippon Shimbun also reported an interview with Hideo Tarumi, former Japanese ambassador to China, who said, "The trigger was probably hundreds of videos filled with malice and misunderstandings about Japanese schools, claiming they train spies for public operations," and criticized, "I requested their removal several times during my tenure as ambassador, but the Chinese government did not respond."

In response, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa is coordinating a meeting with Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, on the 23rd in New York during the United Nations (UN) General Assembly schedule. NHK reported, "It is expected that she will demand an explanation of the facts regarding this attack, measures to prevent recurrence, and securing the safety of Japanese nationals in China."