Two Chinese researchers have been arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for allegedly smuggling a hazardous fungal pathogen into the United States. The fungus, Fusarium graminearum, is considered an 'agroterrorism' agent due to its capacity to devastate staple crops and potentially affect human and animal health.
The arrests were confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday, who termed the development a “stark warning” of growing efforts by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to infiltrate American scientific institutions. He added that the fungus, which causes ‘head blight’ in crops such as wheat, barley, maize and rice, is responsible for billions of dollars in agricultural losses globally each year.
In a post on X, Patel wrote, “New... I can confirm that the FBI arrested a Chinese national within the United States who allegedly smuggled a dangerous biological pathogen into the country.”
According to Patel, the principal accused, Yunqing Jian, was employed at the University of Michigan where she conducted research on Fusarium graminearum. “The individual, Yunqing Jian, is alleged to have smuggled a dangerous fungus called Fusarium graminearum, which is an agroterrorism agent, into the U.S. to research at the University of Michigan, where she works,” he stated.
The fungus is known to contaminate grain crops, reducing both yield and quality, and producing toxins harmful to humans and livestock.
Also read: Israel-Gaza protest turns violent in Colorado, 6 set on fire
The FBI further stated that Jian had received financial support from the Chinese government to conduct similar research in China and had allegedly expressed ideological allegiance to the CCP.
Also named in the complaint is Jian’s partner, Zunyong Liu, who is based at a Chinese university. Liu reportedly flew into the United States via Detroit Metropolitan Airport and initially denied any wrongdoing. He later admitted to smuggling the same pathogen into the country, purportedly to assist Jian in her research at the same university.
Both individuals now face multiple charges including conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, visa fraud and making false statements to federal authorities.
Patel added, “Jian’s boyfriend, Zunyong Liu — also charged in the complaint — works at a Chinese university where he conducts research on the same pathogen.”
He continued, “Your FBI will continue working tirelessly to be on guard against it. Our @FBIDetroit team did excellent work in this case partnering with @CBP. Justice will be done.”
The arrests have sparked renewed scrutiny of academic research links between the two countries and reignited concerns over biosecurity, especially in light of increasing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
On Monday, China’s Ministry of Commerce “firmly rejected” allegations made by former President Donald Trump that Beijing had breached a tariff-reduction agreement reached during negotiations in Geneva.
The ministry denounced the accusations as “groundless” and cited what it called “unreasonable” American restrictions on semiconductor-related exports, artificial intelligence software, and Chinese student visa issuance.
Trump has since warned of renewed retaliatory action, writing on TruthSocial, “I will no longer be . Nice Guy,” and alluding to further diplomatic pressure on Chinese President Xi Jinping.
With tensions mounting on multiple fronts—economic, political and now biological—bilateral relations between the United States and China appear poised for further turbulence.
Follow us
