US Academics Stabbed in China Park, US Officials Confirm
Four American college instructors teaching in China were attacked and stabbed while visiting a public park, according to US officials. The incident took place in Jilin province, north-eastern China, where the instructors from Cornell College in Iowa were accompanied by a faculty member from Beihua University.
Details about the severity of the injuries sustained by the group and the motive behind the attack remain unclear. Iowa state representative Adam Zabner revealed that his brother, David Zabner, was among the victims who were visiting a temple in Beishan park when they were attacked by a knife-wielding assailant. David Zabner was wounded in the arm during the incident and is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.
The US State Department acknowledged the reports of the stabbing and stated that they are closely monitoring the situation. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed her concern over the attack and requested prayers for the victims’ speedy recovery and safe return. Several US representatives from Iowa also expressed shock and solidarity with the victims, pledging to assist in bringing them back home safely.
The attack comes at a time when both China and the US are aiming to promote people-to-people exchanges to prevent further deterioration of bilateral relations. Despite Chinese President Xi Jinping’s initiative to invite thousands of young Americans to China, the US State Department’s travel advisory has discouraged Americans from traveling to the country due to concerns about arbitrary detentions and exit bans.
As efforts are made to ensure the victims receive proper medical care and return to the US, the incident underscores the challenges faced by American exchange students in China amidst strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.