Suzhou Honors Woman Who Died Stopping Knife Attack on Foreigners

Suzhou Honors Woman Who Sacrificed Life Stopping Knife Attack on Foreigners

Hu Youping, a resident of the Chinese city of Suzhou, who was seriously wounded while trying to stop a knife-wielding attack on a Japanese school bus in the Chinese city of Suzhou has died.

Police in the eastern Chinese city posted an announcement on their website on Thursday saying they would give the title of "righteous and courageous role model" to a woman who died after stopping a knife attack.

The announcement confirmed that Hu Youping, aged 54 years, was the Chinese victim of an attack on a Japanese school bus on Monday afternoon. A later report by the state news agency Xinhua said Hu died on Wednesday.

The Japanese embassy in Beijing lowered its flag to half-mast on Friday morning in honour of Hu, and posted condolences on social media sites X and its Chinese version Weibo.

"[We] believe that her courage and kindness represented the general Chinese public. We hereby salute Ms Hu's great act of justice and may she rest in peace," the embassy said.

Two Japanese nationals were also injured in the attack. One is receiving hospital treatment but is not in a life-threatening condition, and the other was discharged following treatment on the day of the attack.

One Japanese woman injured in the incident said Hu attempted to restrain the assailant, allowing the Japanese woman's son to escape. The attacker then turned to Hu, stabbing her before being subdued by passers-by and police patrol rushing to the scene.

"If she hadn't tried to hold back the assailant, there could have been more victims," one eyewitness told Xinhua.

The attack has sent shockwaves through the city, with many residents condemning the assailant and expressing concern for the victims.

"This kind of violence is extremely rare here. We all respect the brave woman who stood out against the attacker and are deeply saddened by her death," said Sun Jing, a resident of Suzhou.

According to the municipal government of Suzhou, Hu will be given the title of "Righteous and Courageous Role Model."

A representative of the Suzhou Japanese Society of Commerce and Industry said the incident was very regrettable but he believes it was an isolated case. He added that the local government's fast response and care for the victims have been reassuring.

The government of Suzhou has pledged effective measures to ensure the safety of every person living in or visiting Suzhou, and to continue building an open and inclusive city.

Source: Xinhua, SCMP, CNN

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