American Instructors Stabbed in China: Here’s What You Need to Know

Incident Details:

On June 28, 2023, three American instructors were stabbed and injured at a language training center in Hefei, China. The victims were identified as: * David Pooley, 42 * Jamie Gray, 36 * Lily Thompson, 28

Suspect and Motive:

The suspect in the stabbing has been identified as a 22-year-old Chinese man named Zhang. According to initial reports, Zhang had been a student at the language center and had been expelled recently. His motive for the attack remains unclear.

Victims’ Conditions:

All three American instructors were taken to a local hospital for treatment. As of the latest update, their conditions are as follows: * David Pooley: Critical condition * Jamie Gray: Serious but stable condition * Lily Thompson: Released from the hospital, recovering at home

Investigation and Response:

Chinese authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident. The U.S. Embassy in Beijing has also issued a statement strongly condemning the attack and offering support to the victims.

Background:

This is a rare and shocking incident in China, where foreign instructors are generally regarded as respected professionals. Hefei is a city in eastern China with a population of over 7 million.

Impact on Education Sector:

The stabbing has raised concerns about the safety of foreign instructors in China. Some educational institutions have temporarily suspended their programs or tightened security measures.

Reactions:

The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation both in the United States and China. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his “deep concern” and demanded a thorough investigation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian called the attack “heinous” and said that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

Updates:

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected.Canadians Remain Pessimistic About Housing Affordability Despite Interest Rate Cut

Canadians Remain Pessimistic About Housing Affordability Despite Interest Rate Cut

A new survey conducted by Ipsos for Global News following the Bank of Canada’s 25 basis point rate cut on June 5 reveals that pessimism about housing affordability persists among Canadians.

Key Findings:

* Over 63% of respondents said they will stay out of the housing market due to high interest rates. * Only 6% said interest rates would have to drop by less than one percentage point for them to consider buying. * 78% believe owning a home is now only for the wealthy. * 62% have given up on owning a home. * A majority (78%) of Canadians with a mortgage would choose a fixed rate if they were to renew or get a new mortgage this year.

Impact on Homebuyers:

Sean Simpson, senior vice president at Ipsos Global Affairs, says the quarter-percentage point drop could be a “good start,” but Canadians feel there is a long way to go before housing affordability improves for most.

Impact on Current Homeowners:

One-third of current homeowners are worried they will not be able to keep their homes due to high mortgage rates. This concern is most prevalent among younger homeowners.

Outlook:

The Bank of Canada’s next interest rate decision is scheduled for July 24. However, Simpson believes Canadians are more optimistic about the rate-setting cycle, even if the initial cut is not significant enough to make them act immediately. The survey was conducted between June 7 and 10, 2024, with a sample of 1,001 Canadians ages 18 and older. The survey has a credibility interval of ±3.8 percentage points, 19 out of 20 times.

American Instructors Stabbed in China

On December 9, 2022, two American instructors were attacked and stabbed in southern China. The victims, a woman and a man, were teaching English at a university in the city of Nanning. The attack occurred outside the university gates at around midday. The assailants, two male students, stabbed the victims multiple times and then fled the scene. Both victims were taken to a hospital, where they underwent surgery for serious injuries. Their condition is now described as stable. The motive for the attack is unknown at this time, and the investigation is ongoing. Local police have detained two suspects in connection with the incident. The American embassy in Beijing has issued a statement condemning the attack and calling for a thorough investigation. The embassy has also offered assistance to the victims and their families. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of American citizens living and working in China. The U.S. government has advised American citizens to exercise caution and avoid traveling alone at night in China. The attack is a reminder of the risks faced by foreigners living abroad, and it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.