China faces calls for transparency after latest stabbing attack sparks safety fears

A string of recent stabbing attacks on foreigners in China could fuel worries about personal security in the country's expatriate community, according to diplomatic observers, who say that more transparency from authorities will be crucial to ease fears and restore confidence in the country.

In a phone call on Thursday, Chinese foreign vice-minister Sun Weidong told Japan's ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, that the killing was an “isolated case carried out by an individual with a criminal record”, according to the Japanese embassy.