Agroterror Threat: Plot EXPOSED by Feds

Two Chinese scientists, one loyal to the Chinese Communist Party, have been charged with smuggling a dangerous fungal pathogen considered a potential bioweapon against America’s food supply into the United States under the cover of research at a taxpayer-funded university lab.

Key Takeaways

• Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu were charged with smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a toxic fungus that can devastate crops and is considered a potential agroterrorism weapon
• Both scientists worked at a University of Michigan lab led by senior Chinese researchers who received over $7.6 million in NIH funding
• The Justice Department found evidence of Jian’s loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party, raising serious national security concerns
• The incident highlights ongoing Chinese infiltration of U.S. research institutions using American taxpayer dollars
• Federal officials describe the smuggling as part of broader Chinese efforts that threaten U.S. biosecurity and agricultural systems

Chinese Nationals Charged in Bioterrorism Risk Case

The Department of Justice has charged two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, with conspiracy and smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States. The fungus, Fusarium graminearum, causes significant damage to wheat and corn crops and can produce toxins harmful to humans and livestock when consumed. Federal investigators discovered the suspects attempted to bring the pathogen into the country for research at a University of Michigan laboratory where they worked with senior Chinese scientists who had received millions in U.S. government funding.

“The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals—including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party—are of the gravest national security concerns. These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a ‘potential agroterrorism weapon’ into the heartland of America, where they apparently intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme,” said United States Attorney Gorgon.

U.S. Taxpayer Funding of Foreign Adversaries

The University of Michigan lab where the defendants worked was led by Ping He and Libo Shan, senior Chinese researchers who received over $7.6 million in National Institutes of Health funding for plant immunity research. This revelation has sparked outrage among lawmakers who see a disturbing pattern of U.S. taxpayer dollars supporting research conducted by scientists with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The incident echoes concerns raised during the COVID-19 pandemic about American funding going to foreign scientists whose primary loyalties may lie elsewhere.

Two Chinese nationals were charged with smuggling the Fusarium graminearum fungus—an agroterrorism weapon—into the U.S. for research. The pair’s connection to the Chinese Communist Party raises serious national security concerns.https://t.co/BdrCSOc9iP

2 Chinese Nationals…

— Spotlight on China (@spotlightoncn) June 4, 2025

“It has been obvious for years that Anthony Fauci and Francis Collins not only funded dangerous research, but directed funding to scientists loyal to China, not America,” said Sen. Ron Johnson.

Although the University of Michigan has stated it received no Chinese government funding for the accused individuals’ research and is cooperating with federal investigations, this case represents just one of several incidents linking the university to concerning activities involving Chinese nationals. Previous incidents include Chinese individuals photographing nearby military bases, raising further questions about institutional oversight and security protocols.

National Security Implications

The FBI views this case as a significant national security threat that highlights the danger of foreign influence in American scientific research. Investigators found that Jian had received Chinese government funding for research on the pathogen and evidence of his loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party. Liu admitted to smuggling the fungus into the U.S. specifically for research at the University of Michigan. The charges against both include conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud.

“The CCP’s quiet infiltration of our research ecosystem is a direct threat to our national security, biosecurity, and economic independence,” said Erica Knight.

Robert Charles, a national security expert, expressed concern that this incident could indicate broader Chinese efforts targeting America’s food security: “Okay, the Chinese are adept at infiltration, at espionage, and at doing it in a way that is, if not inscrutable, intended to be very quiet.”

Law Enforcement Response

The investigation involved coordinated efforts between multiple federal agencies determined to protect American biosecurity interests. The FBI Detroit Counterintelligence Task Force worked closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to uncover the smuggling operation and prevent what could have been a devastating attack on American agriculture had the pathogen been released or weaponized. Jian is scheduled to appear in federal court in Detroit while the investigation continues into the full scope of the threat.

“Today’s criminal charges levied upon Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu are indicative of CBP’s critical role in protecting the American people from biological threats that could devastate our agricultural economy and cause harm to humans; especially when it involves a researcher from a major university attempting to clandestinely bring potentially harmful biological materials into the United States,” stated U.S. Custom and Border Protection, Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon.

The case underscores the urgent need for greater scrutiny of foreign researchers working in sensitive fields at American institutions, particularly those receiving substantial taxpayer funding. President Trump has consistently warned about Chinese espionage and infiltration tactics, with this case providing further evidence of the sophisticated threats facing American research institutions and critical infrastructure.