- Screengrab photos: SCMP
BEIJING: A wealthy woman driver in China attacked a former soldier after he refused to let her dangerously reverse into oncoming traffic, requiring him to go to the hospital.
On August 28, a 38-year-old woman, surnamed Wang, attempted to back her car into the opposite lane in Qingdao, Shandong province in eastern China.
After several failed attempts, she rear-ended a bus.
The enraged woman leapt out of her car, blaming the driver – a decommissioned soldier – for not letting her cut in, hurling insults and attacking him with her hands and phone.
A video circulating online shows the driver bleeding from his mouth and nose, but not retaliating.
When a passing driver tried to intervene, Wang turned on him: “So what if I was driving against traffic? I hit you, so you should take responsibility. If you have the courage, call the police.”
The passer-by got out of his car and tried to talk to her, but Wang sped off.
On August 29, the police issued a statement saying that Wang had been administratively detained for 10 days and fined 1,000 yuan (US$140) for intentionally assaulting others.
One netizen pointed out that Wang was driving a Land Rover SUV worth 1.3 million yuan (US$180,000).
A local community officer said Wang, originally from a small village, moved to the city after marrying and used to run a clothes shop. Her current employment status is not known.
The assaulted driver, 26, surnamed Lin, joined the military in 2019 and was discharged in 2022.
He and his wife now run a hotel and work as tour guides in Qingdao.
Lin wrote on social media: “I did not fight back, not out of fear, but because I was holding back for the sake of my children in the car.”
“I firmly believe that my country supports me. The government will ensure justice, and my dignity as a soldier must not be compromised,” he said.
On August 31, Lin posted on Douyin that leaders from the local Veterans Affairs Bureau visited him in the hospital, which brought him comfort.
He said he had spent 4,000 yuan (US$560) on medical expenses and would apply for administrative reconsideration to seek legal justice.
On September 3, the police said Wang had apologised to Lin and was willing to cover his medical expenses.
This incident has sparked a strong backlash against Wang on mainland social media garnering 150 million views on Weibo.
One online observer wrote: “Lin is admirable. He joined the military to protect his country, and he did not retaliate when attacked. He is a true soldier.”
“Lin spent 4,000 yuan on hospitalisation, but Wang was fined only 1,000 yuan? This is unfair. I hope Lin receives financial compensation soon,” another commented.
“I am also a veteran, and it’s heartbreaking to witness a comrade being assaulted. Some individuals become arrogant and lawless after acquiring wealth. It’s truly hateful and shameful,” a third remarked. - South China Morning Post
