In brief
Two days after one of the deadliest attacks in recent Chinese history, government officials in Zhuhai are implementing measures to erase traces of the horrific incident. A 62-year-old man drove an SUV into a crowd, resulting in 35 fatalities and injuring at least 43 others. In a calculated effort to minimize public grief and dissent, workers at the scene swiftly removed tributes placed by residents, including bouquets of flowers, while uniformed police and plainclothes officials discouraged onlookers from taking photographs.
At local hospitals, where survivors and victims were treated, journalists faced obstacles as officials stood guard to prevent interviews with family members. “I’m here keeping watch,” a community worker remarked as he blocked access to the wards. Simultaneously, censors were deployed online to eliminate videos and commentary related to the tragedy. Almost a full day passed before authorities released any details, including the death toll, which was only disclosed in a brief statement devoid of a news conference. This approach is consistent with the Chinese government's typical response to mass tragedies: quelling nonofficial commentary, ensuring a narrative of stability, and swiftly directing public attention away from the incident. So far, these tactics appear to have achieved their intended effect, as the narrative surrounding the attack fades from the public consciousness.
