Rising Crime Against Foreigners Spooks Travelers in China

March 20, 2008 -- SHANGHAI — The troubled Chinese man, obsessed with his outstanding debts, boarded the tourist bus and opened his jacket to reveal explosives. In the only English he spoke that morning, he told the frightened Australian passengers, "I'm sorry."

Hours later, the assailant was shot dead by a police sniper, his blood spattering a hostage's jeans. Police jumped over her and shot him again to make sure he was dead.

The incident earlier this month in Xi'an, one of China's most popular tourist cities, was an embarrassment for China as it prepares for the global spotlight that comes with this summer's Olympic Games.

Because of China's tightly controlled political system, statistics that break down crime against foreigners were unavailable. But anecdotal evidence suggests foreigners are increasingly targeted, as a booming economy erodes old taboos and some Chinese grow bolder — or like the hostage-taker, more desperate.

In cosmopolitan Shanghai in recent months, a foreigner had a knife put to his throat and his money taken. Another was tricked into paying up to $1,000 for a $7 taxi ride. Four thugs surrounded an English boxing star, Ricky Hatton, and stole his $8,000 Rolex.

Shanghai and Beijing are still safer than most foreign cities of their size. Punishments for crimes against foreigners are heavier, police-linked neighborhood watch groups are highly vigilant, and Chinese can't own guns.

"China is of course one of the safest places in the world," Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said at a recent news briefing when asked about foreigners' safety. "If you don't believe me, ask your ambassador, ask the U.S. ambassador, ask any ambassador from Western countries, do they feel it is safer in China or safer elsewhere?"

But the booming economy draws millions to China to work, study and travel, and criminals increasingly are defying a culture that has long considered foreigners inviolate.

The U.S. government now warns Americans against muggings, beatings and even carjackings, especially in the nightlife and shopping districts of large cities.