Case raises fresh concerns over biosecurity risks and China’s research links to sensitive sectors
The North News
New Delhi, June 4
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a Chinese national working in the US for allegedly smuggling a dangerous agricultural pathogen into the country, intensifying concerns in Washington over foreign influence and biosecurity breaches within American research institutions. The individual, identified as Yunqing Jian, was employed as a researcher at the University of Michigan and is accused of illegally bringing a potent strain of Fusarium graminearum—a fungal pathogen known to cause “head blight” in wheat, maize, rice and barley—into the United States.
The fungus, which poses risks to both human and animal health through contamination of grain supplies, is considered an agroterrorism agent. It is estimated to cause billions of dollars in crop losses annually worldwide and has significant implications for global food security and supply chains. Confirming the development, FBI Director Kash Patel said that “evidence indicates Jian had expressed loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and had received funding from the Chinese government for previous research involving the same pathogen in China.” Patel added that the arrest highlights growing efforts by the CCP to position researchers inside US institutions to gain access to critical technologies and research infrastructure.
Jian’s partner, Zunyong Liu, who works at a Chinese university, has also been charged after allegedly smuggling the same fungus through Detroit Metropolitan Airport. According to the FBI, Liu initially denied involvement before admitting to importing the pathogen to conduct research alongside Jian in Michigan.
The couple now face multiple federal charges, including conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, making false statements, and visa fraud. The case follows a pattern of increasing scrutiny by US authorities of Chinese nationals working in strategic or high-risk research areas, particularly in biological sciences and advanced technology sectors.
“The CCP is working around the clock to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply,” said Patel in a post on social media platform X, warning of “grave consequences” for national security and the economy if such efforts are not countered.
