Man Arrested for Stabbing American Instructors in China

A 55-year-old man, Cui Dapang, was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the stabbing of four American instructors in Beishan Park, Jilin City, China. The instructors, who were from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, were on a teaching trip when the attack occurred. Chinese officials have stated that the incident is considered an isolated one and will not impact relations with the United States.

The attack took place as Cui collided with a foreigner in the park before attacking the four instructors and a Chinese tourist with a knife. Fortunately, none of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries. One of the victims, David Zabner, brother of Iowa state Rep. Adam Zabner, was wounded in the arm but is reported to be recovering well.

Cornell College is providing support to the affected instructors. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Rep. Ashley Hinson have both assured that efforts are being made to ensure the safe return of the victims. The State Department is closely monitoring the situation.

Despite the incident, China’s relationship with the U.S. is expected to remain unaffected, according to Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry. Lin emphasized the importance of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The other victims of the attack have not been publicly identified. They were part of a partnership program between Cornell College and Beihua University, where Cornell professors teach courses over two weeks. This program, covering computer science, math, and physics, is part of China’s efforts to increase educational exchanges with the U.S.