White House says US 'deeply concerned' by stabbing of 4 American college teachers in China

The United States on Tuesday (June 11) expressed "deep concerns" over the stabbing attack on four American college teachers in the northeastern region of China.

The four US university tutors were hospitalised after an unknown assailant stabbed them in the daytime in Jilin province, northern China on Monday (June 10).

The White House released a statement saying it was "deeply concerned" by the stabbing of the educators, highlighting that their team had spoken with the victims of the assault.

"We are deeply concerned by the stabbing of US citizens in Jilin City, China. Our team has been in touch with these Americans and our PRC counterparts to ensure that the victims' needs are met, and appropriate law enforcement steps are being taken," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a post on his official X account.

China foreign ministry calls stabbing 'random' incident

The Chinese foreign ministry said that the preliminarily assessment by the police was that it was a "random incident", adding that the investigation into the matter was underway.

"From what we know, on the morning of June 10, four foreign teachers from Jilin University were attacked while sight-seeing in Beishan Park. All the injured individuals were immediately taken to the hospital and were given appropriate critical care, no one's life is in danger. The preliminary judgement from the police is that this case is a random incident, currently further investigations are underway," Chinese Foreign Minitry spokesperson Lin Jian said.

He further said that the incident will not affect the normal exchanges between the peoples of the United States and China.

"Engaging in China-US people-to-people exchanges is in line with both sides' interests, and has received enthusiastic support and responses from all levels in both countries," Lin said.

"China is recognised as one of the safest countries in the world, China has always taken effective measures and will continue to take such measures to earnestly protect the safety of all foreigners in China. The relevant random incident will not affect the normal conducting of people-to-people exchanges between China and United States," he added.

The Iowa Cornell College Representative Adam Zabner confirmed that his brother David was one of the four victims of the stabbing incident.

He stated that the group was visiting a local temple when a man with a knife attacked them on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)