In a grim development that has shaken the nation, China has executed a 62-year-old man, Fan Weiqiu, responsible for the car rampage that claimed the lives of at least 35 people in the southern city of Zhuhai last November. This marks one of the deadliest acts of mass violence in China in recent years, drawing attention to a rising wave of attacks spurred by personal grievances.
Fan, who was convicted of “endangering public safety,” drove his car into a crowd of people exercising near a stadium, injuring dozens more in the brutal assault. His rampage, which shocked the nation, was reportedly fueled by his deep dissatisfaction with how his property had been divided in his divorce.
Fan’s violent outburst, which took place on November 11, 2024, ended with him being apprehended at the scene. Local police reported that he had self-inflicted wounds on his body when arrested. Following an expedited trial, Fan was sentenced to death in December 2024, with the Zhuhai Intermediate People’s Court describing his actions as “extremely vile” and the methods used as “particularly cruel.”
In a statement from the court, the judge remarked, “Fan’s crime left a scar on the community, and his disregard for human life in pursuit of personal vengeance is unforgivable.” The court also cited the overwhelming public shock caused by his actions, which were seen as an unprecedented escalation of public violence in China.
While Fan’s case has garnered widespread attention, it is not an isolated incident. Just days later, another gruesome attack rocked China. Xu Jiajin, a 21-year-old student, was sentenced to death for killing eight people in a stabbing spree at his university in Wuxi, a city in eastern China. Xu’s crime was reportedly driven by his failure to obtain a diploma due to poor exam results.
Chinese authorities have expressed grave concerns over the rise in attacks of this nature, many of which appear to be fueled by personal issues, social frustrations, and a desire for revenge against society. Following a series of deadly incidents, including a car attack that injured 30 outside a primary school in Changde, Chinese officials are calling for heightened scrutiny of individuals harboring grievances and urging the public to report potential threats before violence erupts.
Human rights groups have long criticized China’s use of the death penalty, with many claiming that the country leads the world in executions. While China does not release official statistics on the death penalty, estimates suggest that thousands of individuals are executed annually, with many victims of the law often seen as being disproportionately affected by it. The lack of transparency surrounding executions has made it difficult to accurately assess the number of people affected, and some human rights activists argue that the system is used to quash dissent and political unrest.
“China has a long history of using the death penalty as a means of suppressing political opposition and dealing with public unrest,” said Li Qiang, a prominent human rights advocate. “The execution of these individuals is part of a broader trend of repression that silences social dissatisfaction.”
Authorities argue that the country’s judiciary system is acting in accordance with the law, especially in cases of mass killings. Yet, the increasing frequency of such incidents has sparked debate over the causes of public violence in China. Experts suggest that the growing number of attacks may be linked to various stressors, including economic instability and the pressure to conform to societal expectations.
“Many of the perpetrators of these attacks are driven by personal frustrations that they cannot resolve within the framework of traditional society,” said George Magnus, an economist at the China Centre at Oxford University. “The sluggish Chinese economy, combined with high levels of debt and an increasingly competitive job market, are creating a pressure cooker situation. Unfortunately, some individuals respond by lashing out violently.”
The toll of these violent outbursts on Chinese society has become undeniable, and public safety is now a paramount concern for authorities. The country has faced a wave of similar incidents in recent months, with 19 cases of mass violence recorded in 2024 alone. Following the Zhuhai and Wuxi attacks, another disturbing incident occurred in Changde, where a man drove into a group of children and parents outside a primary school, injuring 30. The perpetrator, identified as Huang Wen, claimed that his actions were the result of anger over personal financial losses and family conflict.
Huang’s sentencing, however, was notably less severe than Fan’s, as he was handed a suspended death sentence, which could be commuted to life imprisonment if he refrains from committing another crime in the next two years. This has sparked public debate over the consistency and fairness of China’s legal system, with critics questioning the disparity in sentencing for similar crimes.
In response to the increasing number of violent incidents, Chinese authorities have promised to strengthen efforts to prevent such attacks, calling for more vigilance in identifying and deterring potential threats. Police forces are being urged to enhance their presence in public areas and to increase their focus on individuals who may be experiencing personal crises. Mental health experts have also called for greater support for those struggling with emotional and psychological distress.
The government has yet to introduce comprehensive measures aimed at addressing the root causes of public violence, which some analysts argue is necessary to mitigate future attacks. “While punishment is important, we need to focus on prevention and addressing the factors that drive individuals to commit such heinous acts,” said Dr. Wang Yi, a psychiatrist based in Beijing. “More attention needs to be given to mental health care, social support systems, and opportunities for individuals to cope with stress in a healthy manner.”
As China grapples with this surge in violent attacks, the national conversation is shifting toward the need for a broader societal approach to managing public safety and addressing the underlying causes of discontent. Whether stricter punishment or preventative measures will prove effective in reducing these attacks remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the nation is at a critical juncture in its efforts to restore security and prevent further bloodshed.
