China News Service, Beijing, May 16 (Reporter Li Jingze Zhang Su) Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian hosted a regular press conference on May 16.
A reporter asked: According to media reports, an 18-year-old white gunman opened fire on civilians in Buffalo, New York, USA on the 14th, killing at least 10 people and injuring 3 others.
Local officials said 11 black people were among the victims in what was typical of "racially motivated violent extremism."
In addition, 10 shooting incidents occurred in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, in less than 12 hours on the 13th.
Some commentators believe that gun violence in the United States is on the rise.
What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian: I noticed relevant reports and was shocked by it.
A common question lingering in people's minds at this time is, why is gun violence so serious in the United States, known as freedom, democracy and the rule of law?
Why do Americans live in constant fear of being shot and killed?
According to US media reports, as of May 12, 15,569 people have been killed in gun violence in the United States this year.
As you may recall, the number of gun violence deaths in the U.S. last year was 20,726.
In just five months of this year, gun violence has already surpassed three-quarters of last year's death toll, and gun violence is on the rise in the United States.
People can't help but ask, what is the reason why the American people are increasingly buying guns, holding guns, and drawing guns?
According to data, incidents of racial discrimination and racial hatred have soared in the United States in recent years. In 2020, the number of gun purchases by blacks in the United States increased by 58.2%, and the number of gun purchases by Asians increased by 43%. Does the rise in insecurities from discrimination matter?
Why is the number of black Americans buying guns soaring?
In 2021, more than 500 people will be killed or injured in shootings caused by "road rage" in the United States, a record high.
That means 1 American is injured or killed by "road rage" every 17 hours.
Pulling the trigger as soon as a word disagrees, where does the anger and hatred of the American people come from?
The United States owns 46% of the world's civilian firearms with 4.2% of the world's population, and the total number is as high as 393 million.
Is the prevalence of gun violence related to the ease with which the American public has acquired guns?
Some American groups have repeatedly criticized the ineffectiveness of the US gun control laws.
The deaths and injuries caused by gun violence have seized the already strained medical resources in the United States to fight the epidemic.
Like the new crown epidemic, gun violence has become the specter of death hovering over the American people, threatening the lives and safety of the American people at all times.
The U.S. government should be responsible to the people and take practical and effective measures to address the problem of gun violence.
The human rights record of the United States is so unbearable. The United States should take care of its own affairs first and not always think about pointing fingers at the human rights of other countries.
(Finish)