U.S. authorities have charged two Chinese nationals—Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu—with smuggling and conspiracy after one of them allegedly brought a dangerous agricultural fungus, Fusarium graminearum, into the country hidden in a backpack.
- The pathogen, which can infect crops like wheat, maize, and rice and pose health risks to animals and humans, is considered a potential agroterrorism weapon, according to the FBI.
- Jian and Liu, who worked in a University of Michigan lab, also face charges of making false statements and visa fraud. Liu, identified as a Chinese Communist Party member, was previously denied entry to the U.S. in July 2024 after inconsistencies in his explanation about suspicious plant material found in his possession.
- U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. called their alleged actions a serious national security concern. Jian remains in custody pending a bond hearing.
–
This could be considered a hostile act from China.
This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.
