Chinese Researchers Charged with Smuggling Potential Bioweapon into US

Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, were arrested and charged with smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a fungus that causes billions of dollars in crop damage annually, into the United States. According to the Department of Justice, the fungus is classified as a potential bioterrorism weapon. The researchers allegedly received funding from the Chinese government for their research, some of which was conducted at the University of Michigan. The FBI states that the fungus causes "head blight," a disease affecting wheat, barley, maize, and rice. When consumed by humans, it can cause vomiting, liver damage, and birth defects. The pair was apprehended at Detroit airport in July 2024. Initially, Jian claimed he was visiting his girlfriend, a visiting fellow at the University of Michigan, and denied any knowledge of the fungus. He later admitted to smuggling it for research purposes. The University of Michigan has stated that it is cooperating with the investigation and condemns any activity that could harm the public or damage national security. This incident underscores the importance of biosecurity and international cooperation in preventing the spread of dangerous pathogens.