Chinese authorities are facing public outrage and criticism over the deadly mass killing that occurred in a southern Chinese city of Zhuhai. The attack, where 35 people were killed and 43 others injured, involved a car ramming into a crowd of people. Initially downplayed by authorities, the incident was not properly reported until almost 24 hours later, sparking anger and dissatisfaction among the public.
President Xi Jinping has ordered efforts to treat the injured and punish the perpetrator severely, as discussion of the attack is being suppressed on heavily censored social media platforms in China. The incident is seen as part of a spike in violent crime in the country, highlighting the challenges faced by the ruling Chinese Communist Party in maintaining social stability.
The suspect, a 62-year-old man named Fan, was said to be upset over the division of property after his divorce. The attack has raised concerns about the impact of economic hardships and personal trauma on individuals in a tightly controlled society under Xi’s leadership. The timing of the attack, coinciding with a major air show in Zhuhai, may have influenced the delay in reporting the death toll.
Censorship of discussions related to the attack on social media platforms is common in China, as the government seeks to control the narrative and maintain public support for the regime. The lack of information about the victims and the absence of foreign nationals among the casualties have raised further questions and concerns among the public.
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