China has executed two men involved in two of the deadliest attacks the country has witnessed in recent years. The incidents, reportedly triggered by emotional distress, have reignited conversations about the mental health challenges faced by Chinese citizens and the broader implications of unaddressed societal stress.
Two Attacks That Shook the Nation
Fan Weiqiu, 62, carried out a horrifying attack in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, on November 11 of last year. Using his car as a weapon, he plowed into a group of people exercising outside a stadium, killing 35 individuals and injuring dozens more. The attack is regarded as the deadliest on Chinese soil in a decade. Authorities reported that Fan’s actions were motivated by “dissatisfaction” over property division following his divorce. Detained at the scene with self-inflicted wounds, Fan was sentenced to death in December for “endangering public safety,” with the court condemning his actions as “extremely vile” and “particularly cruel.” His execution took place on Monday, less than a month after his sentencing.
Just days after Fan’s attack, another tragedy unfolded at a university in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. Xu Jiajin, a 21-year-old student, embarked on a stabbing spree on November 16, killing eight people and wounding 17 others. According to authorities, Xu acted out of frustration over failing to obtain his diploma due to poor academic performance. He readily confessed to his crime and was sentenced to death in December, with the court citing the “particularly bad” and “extremely serious” nature of his actions. Xu’s execution was carried out shortly after Fan’s.
A Surge in Crimes taking “revenge on society”:
The Zhuhai and Wuxi attacks are part of a disturbing trend of public violence in China. In 2024 alone, the country experienced 19 such incidents, many of which were driven by personal grievances and a desire to “take revenge on society.” These attacks often target strangers, making them particularly shocking and difficult to predict.
Within days of the Zhuhai and Wuxi attacks, another violent incident occurred in Changde, Hunan Province. A man named Huang Wen drove into a crowd of children and parents outside a primary school, injuring 30 people. Authorities revealed that Huang, who had suffered significant investment losses and family conflicts, wanted to vent his anger. Unlike Fan and Xu, Huang received a suspended death sentence last month, which could be commuted to life imprisonment if he refrains from committing further crimes within two years.
The recent spate of public violence has drawn attention to the mental health struggles faced by many in China. Experts point to a combination of social pressure, economic stress, and insufficient mental health resources as contributing factors. Issues such as academic failure, financial instability, and familial disputes appear to act as triggers for extreme actions in individuals unable to cope with their emotional turmoil.
The Chinese government has taken steps to address the rise in public violence, including implementing stricter security measures and expediting the judicial process for perpetrators.
Capital punishment is a legal penalty in China, and is commonly applied for murder and drug trafficking, as well as various other offenses. Executions are carried out by lethal injection or by shooting. The death penalty is only applicable to criminals who have committed extremely serious crimes. The Penal Code of 1997, which is still in force today, has 68 crimes punishable by death, including 24 violent crimes and 44 non-violent crimes.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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