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Chinese overseas
ChinaPolitics

China’s ambassador ‘shocked’ by death of graduate Zheng Shaoxiong in Chicago, mother speaks of loss

  • Beijing’s envoy Qin Gang calls for justice and seeks protection for Chinese in America after the shooting death of talented 24-year-old
  • Zheng’s mother Li Rong describes heartbreak at having to make first overseas trip for her son’s memorial service

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The death of Zheng Shaoxiong in Chicago has sparked outrage over the dangers facing international students in the US. Photo: Handout
Mimi Lau
The Chinese ambassador to the United States, Qin Gang, has called for justice and condemned hatred and xenophobia after 24-year-old Chinese graduate Dennis Zheng Shaoxiong was fatally shot on November 9 in Chicago.
Zheng’s death has sparked outrage over the dangers facing international students in the US. He was the second University of Chicago international student killed this year after post-graduate Fan Yiran was gunned down close to where Zheng was shot.

Qin mourned the loss on Twitter, saying he was shocked and dismayed by Zheng’s death.

“My deep condolences to his parents. The Chinese consulate general in Chicago is helping them deal with the aftermath. We call for justice in his case and protection of Chinese in the US from hatred and xenophobia,” Qin tweeted.

Li Rong, Zheng’s mother, flew from Sichuan in western China to attend a memorial service for her son at the university’s Rockefeller Memorial Chapel on Thursday.

“This is mama’s first ever overseas trip. It wasn’t to tour around, nor to attend your graduation ceremony or your wedding. It’s to attend your funeral,” Li said.

“Just two days before you were brutally killed, I received a bottle of perfume sent by you from Chicago. It’s a birthday present from you.

“Today, I came all the way here and wore the perfume you bought me. I believe you can smell it and the scent of mama. That’s how you’d know mama is here to bring you home.

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