US EditionWhat Is Fusarium Graminearum, the Fungus 2 Chinese Researchers Are Charged with Smuggling Into the US? | News Channel 3-12
- Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, were charged in 2024 with smuggling the fungus Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. Through Detroit Metro Airport.
- The defendants, researchers connected to the University of Michigan, allegedly imported the fungus without permits amid U.S.-China tensions and allegations of national security threats.
- Fusarium graminearum causes head blight disease in cereal crops and produces toxins harmful to humans and livestock, causing economic losses exceeding a billion dollars annually in the U.S.
- FBI and federal officials called the smuggling a serious threat to public safety and food security, while some plant experts characterized it as risky but manageable under existing safeguards.
- The case highlights concerns about foreign interference in U.S. Institutions, prompting intensified scrutiny of pathogen imports and reinforcing efforts to protect agricultural infrastructure.
43 Articles
43 Articles
Dr. Redfield to Newsmax: Biosecurity Is a National Security Threat
On Wednesday, the FBI charged two Chinese nationals with smuggling a crop-killing fungus into the United States. Dr. Robert Redfield, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told Newsmax on Thursday that the actions by the two scientists are troubling because biosecurity “is one of our greatest national security threats.” “[Fusarium graminearum] is a fungus that attacks wheat, barley, maize, and rice and actually can d…
Chinese Nationals Caught with Agroterror Weapon
Chinese Nationals Caught with Agroterror Weapon daltman@hudson.org Thu, 06/05/2025 - 10:00 SVG In the Media Jun 5, 2025 Newsmax Chinese Nationals Caught with Agroterror Weapon Michael Sobolik Senior Fellow Michael Sobolik Caption (Newsmax Screenshot) Toggle Table of Contents Contents Contents Share to Twitter Twitter Share to Facebook Facebook Share to LinkedIn LinkedIn Share to E-mail E-mail Print Print Michael Sobolik appears o…
Explainer: What is agro-terrorism and fusarium graminearum threat fueling the US-China tensions?
Agro-terrorism, using harmful agents to disrupt agriculture, has surged amid US-China tensions. Fusarium graminearum, a toxic fungus targeting key crops, is central to this threat. Charges against Chinese researchers for smuggling it into the US raise fears over food security attacks.
Counter-terrorism expert weighs in on fungus allegedly smuggled into Michigan
By Heath Kalb Click here for updates on this story ANN ARBOR, Michigan (WWJ) — Two people, Yunqing Jian, a 33-year-old postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, are accused of smuggling a dangerous pathogen called “Fusarium graminearum” through the Detroit Metro Airport last summer. The Chinese nationals are charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, false statements, and visa fr…
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