In an unexpected turn of events, four American college instructors from a small Iowa institution were injured in a stabbing attack while on a teaching trip to China on Tuesday. Both school officials and Chinese authorities confirmed the incident, highlighting its unusual nature in a nation known for its tight security.
Arrest and Immediate Response
Chinese police reported on Tuesday that a suspect had been apprehended following the stabbing attack. The victims, four American college instructors from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, were immediately taken to a hospital. Thankfully, their injuries were not life-threatening. School president Jonathan Brand stated, “We have been in contact with all four and are assisting them.” The attack occurred during a daytime visit to a public park in Jilin, a northeastern city in China, where the instructors were accompanied by a faculty member from Beihua University.
Incident Sparks International Attention
Graphic videos circulating on social media showed the aftermath of the attack, where three of the injured instructors were seen conscious and using their cellphones. A spokesperson for the State Department noted that U.S. officials were aware of the situation but offered no additional comments. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also confirmed the incident, with spokesperson Lin Jian stating, “All the injured were immediately taken to the hospital and received proper medical treatment.”
The Jilin Public Security Bureau identified the suspect as a 55-year-old man named Cui, who was arrested on suspicion of stabbing the four Americans and a Chinese tourist who intervened. This incident, one of the rare attacks on foreigners in China, comes at a sensitive time as China seeks to improve relations with the United States and revitalize tourism after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community and Official Reactions
The news of the attack reverberated back to Iowa, where State Rep. Adam Zabner confirmed his brother, David Zabner, was among the victims. David, a graduate student at Tufts University and an alumnus of Cornell College, required stitches but was reported to be in good spirits. Iowa officials, including Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sen. Joni Ernst, expressed their concern and support for the victims, highlighting the importance of ensuring their safe return home.
Michael Meyer, a University of Pittsburgh professor who previously taught in Jilin, remarked on the rarity of such attacks on foreigners, especially university teachers. Prominent Chinese commentator Hu Xijin also voiced his hope that the incident would not negatively impact international exchanges, noting, “Our people are generally very friendly towards foreign tourists.”
Moving Forward Amid Tensions
This stabbing attack in China has cast a spotlight on the safety of international exchange programs. As the U.S. and China, the world’s two largest economies, work to mend diplomatic ties, incidents like these pose challenges to their efforts. Nonetheless, both nations are determined to promote cultural and educational exchanges. Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended an invitation to 50,000 young Americans for study programs over the next five years, underscoring the importance of such initiatives.
Despite this tragic event, Chinese authorities, including Lin Jian, reassured the public that the incident would not derail ongoing U.S.-China exchanges. “China is recognized as one of the safest countries in the world,” he said. With robust security measures and a commitment to protecting all foreigners, China aims to continue fostering international relationships and ensuring the safety of its visitors.
