China executed two men on January 20, 2025, for deadly attacks that left a combined 43 people dead, raising alarms over rising societal violence and the government's response to such 'revenge on society crimes.'

The executions come in the wake of two horrific incidents: a car attack in Zhuhai that killed 35 and a stabbing at a vocational school in Wuxi that claimed eight lives, prompting concerns about societal violence and the motivations behind these crimes. China's Supreme People's Court approved the death sentences, reflecting the government's intensified focus on curbing violence following President Xi Jinping's call for greater preventive measures amid fears that such attacks could become more common.

The first incident involved Fan Weiqu, a 62-year-old man who drove his vehicle into a crowded area in Zhuhai. The attack, which resulted in 35 deaths and 43 injuries, is noted to be the deadliest act of violence in over 10 years in China. Authorities indicated that Fan was reportedly distressed over a recent divorce settlement, possibly motivating his actions. Officials have highlighted the need to address individual grievances, as such sentiments can escalate into violent behavior.

Xu Jiajin, 21, committed the second attack that day at a vocational school in Wuxi, where he utilized a knife to assault fellow students, resulting in eight deaths and 17 injuries. Reports suggest that his actions were spurred by dissatisfaction with his pay and a string of failed examinations, leading to frustration that manifested in this tragic form of violence. Xu's attack has raised questions about the mental health and pressures faced by young individuals in a highly competitive society.

The Supreme People's Court's approval of the death sentences signifies a strict judicial response to these events amidst ongoing discussions about public safety in China. Executions are often viewed as a deterrent against serious crimes; however, critics have pointed out that such measures do not address the underlying social issues that contribute to violence. President Xi Jinping's recent directive calls for local governments to implement preventive strategies, indicating a shift towards more comprehensive approaches to ensuring public safety.

China's approach to capital punishment has garnered international attention, as it is estimated to execute more prisoners annually than the rest of the world combined. The methods of execution typically involve gunshot, with lethal injections becoming more prevalent in recent years. This high rate of executions raises ethical concerns both domestically and internationally regarding human rights and the nature of the penal system.

As these executions unfold, there is growing public discourse surrounding the societal conditions that facilitate such violent acts. Discussions have emerged around individual grievances such as financial dissatisfaction, as seen in the cases of Xu Jiajin, who was dissatisfied with his pay and failed his examinations, and personal relationship issues as indicated in the case of Fan Weiqu, who was upset over his divorce settlement. This calls for a critical evaluation of the societal pressures that may lead individuals to commit such heinous acts, and underscores the importance of mental health support and community resources.

In response to the recent events, experts urge for preventive measures that go beyond punitive actions. There is an increasing recognition that a multifaceted approach, including mental health services and community engagement, may be necessary to address the conditions fostering violence. Local governments are now under pressure to create systems that offer support for those facing social and economic hardships.

The implications of these executions extend beyond the immediate cases of Fan Weiqu and Xu Jiajin. They reflect a broader concern within Chinese society regarding the potential rise in violent crime and the government's capacity to manage public safety. As the state intensifies its focus on enforcement and deterrent measures, many question whether these actions will effectively reduce incidents of violence or if deeper systemic changes are required to tackle the root causes.

Moving forward, the challenge for China lies in balancing swift justice with strategies that tackle the socioeconomic factors contributing to personal grievances. Only time will tell if the executions will serve as a warning against such actions or if they are merely a reactionary measure that fails to address the complexities of societal violence.