Japanese companies in China are taking measures to ensure the safety of their expatriate employees following a fatal stabbing incident. The recent attack, which occurred in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, has raised concerns among Japanese businesses operating in the country. In June, another assault took place in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, resulting in injuries to a Japanese woman and her child and the death of a Chinese woman.
A senior official from a major manufacturer based in Beijing expressed anger over the incidents and emphasized that safety is crucial for conducting business. As a result, the company is considering temporarily sending family members of its expatriates back to Japan.
Panasonic Holdings Corp. has already made the decision to allow Japanese employees and their families to return home temporarily. The company will also cover related expenses and plans to provide counseling services for its employees affected by the recent incident.
Other Japanese companies operating in Beijing are also taking precautions. A major automaker intends to interview employees with children about their concerns regarding safety. Additionally, a parts manufacturer will suspend business trips to China for now.
In response to these incidents, some companies have instructed their staff not to hold events among Japanese nationals while they assess the situation further.
Tetsuro Honma, head of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, attended an extraordinary meeting with senior officials from the Japanese Embassy on Thursday. Honma stated that member companies are implementing measures following this latest incident and emphasized the importance of sharing information among them.
Honma called on both governments—Japan and China—to promptly provide detailed information about these incidents including any relevant background information. The motive behind June’s attack remains unknown at this time.
The official from the major manufacturer stressed that uncovering the truth is essential so that appropriate safety measures can be implemented going forward. They added that given current circumstances, expanding investment in China is not feasible at this moment.
