Four US College Instructors Stabbed in China, Assailant Arrested
A 55-year-old man has been detained by Chinese authorities after stabbing four instructors from Iowa’s Cornell College in a public park. The incident occurred during the day in Jilin province, leaving the educators hospitalized, according to a college statement.
Representative Adam Zabner of Iowa revealed that his brother, David, was among those wounded in what he termed a “stabbing attack.” Fortunately, none of the injured are in life-threatening condition, as confirmed by China’s foreign ministry.
The attack unfolded when the suspect, identified by the surname Cui, had an altercation with one of the American instructors before attacking them with a knife. He subsequently injured three other US visitors and a Chinese tourist who intervened.
Mr. Zabner recounted that the group was visiting a local temple in Beishan Park, Jilin city, when the assault occurred. David Zabner, who sustained a stab wound to the arm, is currently recovering well in a hospital. “My family is incredibly grateful that David survived this attack,” he shared with the BBC, adding their hope for David’s swift return to Iowa.
Cornell College explained that the instructors were in China for a teaching partnership with a local university. They were accompanied by a representative from Beihua University during the park visit.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, described the stabbing as an “isolated incident” and reiterated China’s reputation as one of the world’s safest countries. “We believe this will not damage relations with other countries,” he stated.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed deep concern over the incident on Twitter, affirming that US officials are in communication with the victims and Chinese authorities to ensure their needs are met. He wished them a quick recovery.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds also addressed the “horrifying” attack on Twitter, asking for prayers for the victims’ recovery and safe return.
Images purportedly showing the aftermath of the attack, with victims bleeding on the ground, have circulated online but appear to have been swiftly censored on Chinese platforms. Searches related to the incident yield no results on Weibo, despite trending discussions.
Former chief editor of China’s Global Times, Hu Xijin, commented on Weibo that the Chinese typically display friendliness toward foreign visitors and called the incident a “chance event.” However, his post has since been removed. Chinese state media has also provided minimal coverage of the event.
David Zabner, a doctoral student at Tufts University, was on his second visit to China under Cornell College’s partnership with Beihua University, established in 2018. The program focuses on disciplines like computer science, mathematics, and physics, allowing Cornell professors to teach part of a course over two weeks in China.
This incident comes amid efforts to renew US-China people-to-people exchanges despite strained diplomatic relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently announced a plan to invite 50,000 young Americans to China over the next five years, while US travel advisories continue to affect American travel to China.
