BEIJING – Local governments across China are intensifying public safety measures following a string of deadly incidents, as authorities respond to growing concerns over mass violence and social stability, state media reported on Nov 24.
In Wuxi, a city in Jiangsu province, officials convened a meeting on Nov 22 to address social stability and safety following a stabbing spree on Nov 16. The attack, carried out by a 21-year-old student, left eight people dead and 17 injured. The meeting focused on enhancing campus safety and tightening security protocols, according to local reports.
The move comes just weeks after the deadliest mass attack in a decade. On Nov 11, a man reportedly angry over a divorce settlement drove into a crowd in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, killing 35 people and injuring several others.
Elsewhere, Hunan province has also been in the spotlight after another vehicle attack on Nov 19, when a driver ploughed into pedestrians outside a school in Changde city. Officials in Changsha, Hunan’s capital, inspected public safety measures on Nov 23, focusing on traffic management and police deployments.
Amid these incidents, China’s central government has called for stronger efforts to address public safety and social tensions. On Nov 23, the Supreme Court held a meeting emphasizing social stability and support for vulnerable groups, including ex-prisoners and individuals with mental disorders. Similarly, the Ministry of Justice held discussions on Nov 22, stressing the importance of resolving conflicts related to marriage, family, property disputes, and wage arrears.
Analysts say the surge in violence may be linked to economic pressures affecting mental health across the nation. The recent government measures aim to prevent further incidents by improving conflict resolution and strengthening law enforcement.