SUZHOU CITY, July 3 – China honoured a Chinese woman who died trying to save a Japanese mother and child in a knife attack on Monday.
Hu Youping, 55, was working as a school bus attendant in Suzhou city when the attacker assaulted the pair.
Youping suffered serious injuries and was in critical condition until she succumbed to her wounds.
The local government announced that she will be given the title of “Righteous and Courageous Role Model.”
The Japanese embassy in China also lowered its flag to half-mast in honor of Youping. The embassy said it was “saddened” by her death.
“We believe [Ms Hu’s] courage and kindness also represent that of the Chinese people. We pay tribute to her righteous deeds. May she rest in peace,” the embassy added.
Chinese social media led praise and condolences for Youping, with many saying she will be remembered for her “kindness and bravery.”
The mother and son did not suffer any life-threatening injuries and the 52-year-old Chinese suspect was arrested at the scene.
The attack has panicked the local Japanese community in China’s Suzhou and has led the Japanese embassy to issue safety warnings to its citizen in China.
China’s foreign ministry said the incident was “regrettable” and that it will “continue to take effective measures to earnestly protect the safety of all foreigners in China.”
