BEIJING (AP) — China executed two men on January 20, 2025, for committing deadly attacks classified as “revenge on society crimes.” Fan Weiqu, 62, killed at least 35 people in a car attack in Zhuhai, while 21-year-old Xu Jiajin fatally stabbed eight individuals at a vocational school in Wuxi. Both executions have raised concerns about the rise of such violent incidents in the country.
- Two men executed for deadly November attacks
- Fan Weiqu killed 35 in car rampage
- Xu Jiajin stabbed eight at vocational school
- President Xi calls for crime prevention measures
- China executes more prisoners than any country
- Execution methods include gunshot and lethal injection
The recent executions highlight a troubling trend in China regarding violent crimes driven by personal grievances. Fan Weiqu’s attack occurred outside a stadium in Zhuhai, where he rammed his car into a crowd, resulting in the highest death toll from such an incident in over a decade. His actions were reportedly motivated by anger over a divorce settlement.
Similarly, Xu Jiajin’s stabbing spree at a vocational school in Wuxi was linked to his dissatisfaction with academic performance and internship pay. This incident left eight people dead and 17 injured, prompting national concern over the motivations behind these violent acts. The Chinese government has characterized these incidents as “revenge on society crimes,” urging local authorities to implement preventive measures.
According to state media, both men received their death sentences from intermediate people’s courts in December 2025, which were subsequently approved by the Supreme People’s Court. China is known for having one of the highest execution rates globally, although exact figures remain classified. Executions are typically carried out by gunshot, though lethal injections have been increasingly used in recent years.
The executions of Fan Weiqu and Xu Jiajin underscore the ongoing issue of violent crimes in China, reflecting deeper societal frustrations. As authorities respond to these incidents, the focus remains on preventing future attacks and addressing the root causes of such violence.
