Two Chinese nationals charged for smuggling potential bioterror fungus into the US

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.

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This could be considered a hostile act from China.