If human exchange stagnates, mutual understanding will not progress, and it could hinder the stabilization of relations. An environment where Japanese people can live with peace of mind is necessary.

Sept. 18 marked one year since a boy at a Japanese school in the city of Shenzhen in China's Guangdong province was fatally stabbed on his way to school.

The stabbing occurred on the anniversary of the 1931 Liutiaogou incident, which sparked the Manchurian incident. In China, this day is referred to as a "day of national humiliation" for allowing Japan's aggression, and it is said that anti-Japan sentiment easily rises on this day.

A man in his 40s was detained over the stabbing, and he was sentenced to death in his first trial in January this year. The trial proceeded with unusual speed, and the man was executed without details, such as whether he targeted a Japanese person, being disclosed.

In the city of Suzhou in China's Jiangsu province in June last year, a Japanese mother and child waiting for a school bus were injured in a knife attack, and a Chinese female bus attendant was killed.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs described both incidents as "incidental."

Chinese authorities stepped up security at Japanese schools across the country. But even after that, another incident occurred in a Suzhou subway station in July, when a Japanese woman with her child was assaulted and injured.

There are concerns that the mood within some parts of Chinese society to view Japan as an adversary is growing stronger.

On social media, there is no end to posts inciting hatred toward Japan. Although authorities strictly manage content in China, videos defaming Japanese schools with accusations of "training spies" and other content remain unchecked.

This year, China has intensified its patriotic propaganda, marking the 80th anniversary of the "War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression." Anti-Japanese films have also been made in succession, and on Sept. 18, a film depicting the former Imperial Japanese Army's secret "Unit 731" was released.

Japanese residents in China have expressed uneasiness over the situation. A survey conducted by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, which is made up of Japanese companies, targeting all members, fielded comments such as, "We can't dispatch employees from Japan (to China) due to concerns about the living environment," and, "We can't bring family members along."

The administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping is seeking ways to improve relations with Japan, anticipating prolonged confrontation with the United States. But if anti-Japanese sentiment rises, it could affect trade, investment and human exchange.

What is required is a response halting the cycle of distrust and preventing the amplification of hatred.

Editorial: 1 year after fatal stabbing of Japanese boy in China, action to end hatred vital