Knife attack heroine to be honored

Hu Youping, the Chinese woman who attempted to stop a knife attack that injured a Japanese mother and child, has passed away and will be honored for her bravery, according to local authorities in Suzhou, Jiangsu province.

The Suzhou High-tech Zone Management Committee is currently submitting an application for her and has requested the city government to posthumously confer upon her the title of "Model of Righteousness and Courage in Suzhou".

The local public security bureau and the Suzhou City Foundation for Righteousness and Courage are publicly honoring Hu's act of bravery from Thursday to Monday, receiving recommendations from all sectors of society and the public.

According to a statement, Hu, born in 1969, resided in Gusu district, Suzhou. Around 4 pm on Monday, she witnessed a knife attack underway at a bus stop in the Suzhou High-Tech Zone and immediately intervened to prevent the attack from escalating and was herself stabbed multiple times. Hu was later declared dead in a hospital on Wednesday.

When encountering potentially mortal threats to others' lives, Hu selflessly stepped forward, courageously confronted the perpetrator to prevent further harm, and in the process demonstrated noble qualities of bravery and justice and effectively upheld societal righteousness, the announcement said.

According to a police bulletin, the suspect, surnamed Zhou, is a 52-year-old currently unemployed male. Zhou has been placed under criminal detention and his actions will be dealt with severely in accordance with laws and regulations.

It was also noted that one of the Japanese victims did not suffer life-threatening injuries, while the other was discharged following treatment on the day of the attack.

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

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

Mao Ning, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, expressed condolences for the tragic passing of Hu during a briefing on Friday.

"I believe this Chinese woman embodies the kindness and bravery of the Chinese people," said Mao.

The Japanese embassy in China flew its flag at half-mast to honor Hu. It posted on social media platform Sina Weibo that it was saddened by the news of Hu's passing after unsuccessful attempts to save her.

"We deeply regret this loss. Ms Hu Youping, through her own efforts, protected innocent women and children from criminals. We believe her courage and kindness also represent the wider Chinese population. We salute her noble actions. May she rest in peace," it said.