Four American instructors from a college in Iowa were injured in a stabbing attack while on a teaching trip to China. The instructors, from Cornell College, were visiting a public park in the city of Jilin when the incident occurred. They were accompanied by a faculty member from their partner institution, Beihua University. The school’s president, Jonathan Brand, confirmed the incident and said the school was assisting the injured instructors. Graphic video footage showed people lying on the ground covered in blood at the park, where the attack took place.
The State Department said they were aware of the reports of the attack and were monitoring the situation. Chinese authorities had not released any statements on the incident as of midday Tuesday. Chinese state media remained quiet on the stabbing attack, though the incident was trending on social media platform Weibo. Prominent Chinese commentator, Hu Xijin, expressed hope that the incident would not negatively impact exchanges between China and other countries, stating that Chinese society is generally friendly towards foreign tourists.
One of the injured instructors was identified as David Zabner, the brother of Iowa State Rep. Adam Zabner. David was stabbed in the arm and was hospitalized but in good spirits. Details on the condition of the other victims, who have not been publicly identified, were unclear. It was uncertain whether the teachers were targeted or attacked randomly. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and federal representatives were in contact with the injured instructors, the school, and the State Department in response to the attack.
The stabbing took place amidst efforts to promote people-to-people exchanges between the U.S. and China in order to improve bilateral relations. There are discussions about easing travel advisories, including for mainland China, with concerns that it may be discouraging such exchanges. Chinese President Xi Jinping had expressed readiness to invite young Americans for exchange programs in China. However, the number of Americans studying in China has decreased over the past decade, particularly during the pandemic. China has strict gun control laws, but knife attacks are not uncommon in the country.
Jennifer Jett is an Asia Digital Editor for NBC News based in Hong Kong, with contributions from multiple other authors. The incident involving the stabbing of American instructors in China has raised concerns and drawn attention from U.S. officials, Chinese commentators, and the public. As the injured instructors receive treatment and support, efforts are being made to ensure their safe return from China. The incident highlights the importance of promoting peaceful exchanges and understanding between nations, even in the face of isolated acts of violence.
