China faces calls for transparency after recent knife attack that sparked security concerns

A series of recent knife attacks on foreigners in China could fuel concerns about the personal safety of foreigners living in the country, diplomatic observers say, adding that greater transparency from the authorities is crucial to allaying fears and restoring confidence in the country.

In a phone call on Thursday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong told Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi that the murder was an “isolated case committed by a person with a criminal record,” according to the Japanese embassy.