China executes two mass murderers as public unrest escalates. China executed Fan Weiqui and Xu Jiajin for separate attacks that killed a total of 43 people. China is experiencing an increase in random acts of violence, with 19 attacks in 2024 linked to societal vengeance.The government is responding with increased security and harsher penalties.
Execution of Mass Killers Highlights China’s Struggle with Public Violence
China executed two mass murderers in a stark response to the rising tide of public violence. Fan Weiqui, responsible for a car-ramming spree that killed 35 people in Zhuhai, and Xu Jiajin, who killed eight people in a stabbing attack at Wuxi Vocational College of Arts and Technology, were both executed. These executions highlight the Chinese government’s hardline approach to combating a troubling trend of violent attacks motivated by societal grievances.
Chinese President Xi Jinping described the attacks as “extremely vicious,” causing shockwaves throughout Chinese society. Both Fan and Xu stated that they were motivated by a desire to “take revenge on society,” reflecting a larger pattern of discontent among certain segments of the population. Fan’s attack was reportedly motivated by personal issues such as a failed marriage and divorce settlement, whereas Xu’s rampage was caused by his inability to graduate due to poor academic performance.
China executes killer just TWO months after insane attack
Fan Weiqiu killed at least 35 people, and injured dozens after ploughing a car into crowds on November 11 last year. pic.twitter.com/w5vEHUUsgF
— RT (@RT_com) January 20, 2025
China’s Escalating Response to Public Violence
As China deals with this surge in random acts of violence, authorities have responded by tightening security and imposing harsh penalties, including the death penalty, to deter future incidents. The country’s law enforcement and penal systems are under intense pressure to stabilize an increasingly volatile community confronted with economic and social challenges.
“Take revenge on society” has become a chilling refrain among perpetrators of these violent acts, signaling a deep-seated discontent that Chinese authorities are struggling to address.
China is thought to be the world’s leading executioner, though exact figures are not available. Executions are reportedly carried out using firing squads, lethal injections, and even mobile death vans. This approach has gained support from some segments of the population, with public reactions to recent executions on social media platforms such as Weibo overwhelmingly positive.
Today, China executed two men who committed mass murder in November. Number of days since crimes: 65 days and 70 days. In US, time from crime to death SENTENCE, about two years. From sentence to EXECUTION, 20 years. Which system is better? https://t.co/ZTbZpz2E3O
— Jared Taylor (@RealJarTaylor) January 20, 2025
Underlying Causes and Societal Implications
The rise in public violence in China highlights deeper societal issues that cannot be addressed solely through punitive measures. Economic challenges, such as high unemployment rates and limited social mobility, may be contributing to rising dissatisfaction among certain groups. The Chinese government faces the difficult task of not only preventing future attacks but also addressing the underlying causes of societal unrest.
One of the executed attackers, Xu Jiajin, was said to have “failed to obtain his diploma due to poor exam results,” emphasizing the intense pressure and limited options that some young people face in China’s competitive educational and professional landscape.
As China grapples with this wave of violence, questions arise about the long-term effectiveness of its current strategy. While harsh punishments may serve as a deterrent, they do not address the underlying societal issues that motivate individuals to commit these crimes. The challenge for Chinese authorities is to strike a balance between immediate security concerns and the need for broader social and economic reforms to alleviate the pressures that fuel public discontent.
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