China witnessed two devastating attacks on Saturday, November 17, that left communities reeling and raised urgent questions about mental health and social stresses in the country. A former student of Wuxi Vocational College of Arts and Technology in Jiangsu Province went on a stabbing rampage, killing eight people and injuring 17 others.
On the same day, authorities in Zhuhai announced charges against a man accused of ramming his car into a crowd earlier in the week, resulting in 35 deaths and 43 injuries. Both attacks have ignited rare discussions, albeit censored, about the mounting pressures facing individuals in China’s rapidly changing society.
The stabbing attack in Wuxi took place at the vocational college located in Yixing, a part of Wuxi city in eastern China’s Jiangsu province. According to police, the 21-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene and confessed to his actions. Investigations revealed that the attacker had been angry over a series of personal setbacks, including failing an exam, not receiving his graduation certificate, and dissatisfaction with his internship compensation.
In Zhuhai, a city in southern Guangdong province, authorities provided more details about Monday’s car attack outside a sports stadium. The 62-year-old suspect, reportedly upset over a divorce settlement, deliberately drove his vehicle into a crowd, causing widespread devastation.
These tragic incidents highlight a disturbing trend of violence driven by personal grievances and underscore the challenges faced by authorities in addressing the root causes.
China has recorded at least six other high-profile knife attacks this year, reflecting a troubling pattern of individuals lashing out with fatal violence. While the motives vary, experts note similarities among the perpetrators: economic or social disadvantages, mental health struggles, and a perception of being treated unfairly.
Qu Weiguo, a professor at Fudan University, described the phenomenon as “indiscriminate revenge against society.” He emphasized the need for robust social safety nets and accessible psychological counseling. However, Qu also stressed the importance of systemic transparency to prevent abuses of power and ensure fair treatment for all. His comments, posted on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, were swiftly removed by censors.
On Sunday, the aftermath of the stabbing attack was palpable at Wuxi Vocational College. Students were seen leaving the campus with suitcases, though classes reportedly continued. One witness, a man surnamed Duan, laid a bouquet of chrysanthemums near a school gate to honor the victims. His gesture was quickly removed by security personnel.
“They were just 18, 19-year-old kids. It’s such a pity and so sad,” Duan said, emphasizing the need for better psychological support for young people. His sentiment echoed the growing concerns among citizens about the pressures faced by the younger generation.
The vocational college, which trains students for industries such as interior design, marketing, and wire manufacturing, is part of a national push to steer youth toward job-specific training amid rising unemployment. However, the attack has cast a shadow over these efforts, highlighting the vulnerabilities of students struggling to navigate academic and professional challenges.
The incidents in Wuxi and Zhuhai come at a time when China’s economic growth is slowing, and social optimism appears to be waning. Youth unemployment reached record highs earlier this year, with many young people feeling pessimistic about their future prospects. Online discussions have often reflected this despair, with terms like “the garbage time of history” gaining traction as shorthand for the perceived lack of opportunities.
President Xi Jinping has acknowledged the challenges, urging local authorities to strengthen risk controls and identify individuals at risk of committing violent acts. Meanwhile, the government has rolled out stimulus measures in recent weeks to revive the economy, aiming to instill hope among citizens.
Mental health remains a sensitive and often overlooked issue in China, where societal stigma and limited resources hinder progress. Experts believe the recent violence underscores the urgent need for reform. While China has made strides in recognizing mental health as a public health priority, gaps in the availability of professional services and societal awareness persist.
Incidents like these often serve as a grim reminder of the consequences of unaddressed mental health issues. The government’s response typically focuses on tightening security and enhancing surveillance, but advocates argue that long-term solutions require systemic changes, including better education on mental health, more accessible counseling services, and reducing stigma.
In the aftermath of the attacks, Chinese social media platforms briefly became hubs for discussions about mental health, economic pressures, and systemic injustices. However, these conversations were quickly censored, with many posts and essays removed by Sunday afternoon. The rapid suppression of dialogue highlights the government’s sensitivity to public discourse, particularly on issues that could challenge its narrative of stability and progress.
The tragedies in Wuxi and Zhuhai serve as stark reminders of the deep-seated challenges facing modern China. From economic insecurities to mental health crises, the underlying issues demand comprehensive solutions. Authorities must balance immediate measures to prevent violence with long-term strategies to address the root causes. For the victims and their families, the road to recovery will be long and painful. As the nation mourns, there is a growing recognition that the stresses of modern life are taking a toll on individuals across all demographics.
