China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that two Japanese nationals and one Chinese citizen were injured in a knife attack inside a restaurant in Shanghai. Meanwhile, the Japanese government has urged China to increase safety measures to protect Japanese citizens residing in the country.
A knife-wielding attacker stabbed people inside a restaurant in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China, on Tuesday (19 May), resulting in three injuries. Both the Japanese government and China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Wednesday that among the injured were two Japanese nationals and one Chinese citizen, all of whom were hospitalized.
Pudong district police reported receiving alerts that a suspect was attacking people inside a restaurant with a fruit knife. The suspect, a 59-year-old man surnamed Yang, was apprehended at the scene. During arrest, he was incoherent and exhibited erratic behavior. Investigation revealed he has a history of chronic mental illness.
The Japanese Consulate General in Shanghai issued a statement confirming that two Japanese nationals were injured in the incident and are currently under close medical care. The statement also said, "The Japanese government has formally requested the Chinese government to thoroughly investigate and clarify the facts of the incident, and to guarantee the safety of the lives and property of all Japanese citizens residing in China."
Minoru Kihara, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary and government spokesperson, confirmed the formal request and stated that the Japanese government has issued safety warnings to all Japanese residents in China. He emphasized that Japan will coordinate with all relevant parties and is fully prepared to provide assistance in protecting its citizens.
This stabbing incident has become the latest point of tension between China and Japan, whose relations are currently strained. The friction escalated after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signaled that Tokyo's military might intervene if the Chinese government launches an attack on Taiwan.
However, Beijing authorities have sought to downplay the incident's severity. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in a daily briefing, "This incident is an isolated public disturbance and is not politically motivated. Chinese authorities will strictly handle and prosecute the perpetrator according to the law."
AFP reporters noted that by Wednesday, the atmosphere at the shopping mall where the incident occurred had returned to calm. Several security officers in gray suits were stationed throughout the area, closely monitoring for safety.