An arrest by the F.B.I. coincides with the Trump administration's commitment to intensify scrutiny of Chinese academics.
The Justice Department announced charges on Tuesday against two Chinese researchers accused of attempting to smuggle a fungus into the United States, amid efforts to restrict the entry of more Chinese students into the country.
The individuals, Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, were reportedly in a romantic relationship last July when U.S. authorities allege that Mr. Liu entered the country with small bags of the fungus Fusarium graminearum, known to cause a disease detrimental to wheat, barley, maize, and rice.
This disease, referred to as head blight, poses a significant challenge for American farmers, particularly in Northern and Eastern states, as documented by Agriculture Department research tracking its prevalence across 32 states last year. The fungus is especially harmful to winter wheat crops.
Ms. Jian was arrested and processed at the federal courthouse in Detroit, while Mr. Liu is believed to be in China. These criminal charges arise amidst escalating tensions between the United States and China, fueled by the Trump administration's pledge to “aggressively” revoke student visas for Chinese nationals, citing concerns that these students might acquire sensitive technology or trade secrets from American laboratories for the benefit of their home country.
Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., the interim U.S. attorney in Detroit, characterized the researchers' actions as posing “the gravest national security concerns,” asserting that they attempted to introduce “a potential agroterrorism weapon” into “the heartland of America.”
For decades, U.S. national security officials have expressed concerns about Chinese academics suspected of stealing scientific data from American institutions. The current administration's initiative extends further by revoking visas from an unspecified number of students.
Experts suggest that such a stringent approach may inadvertently harm U.S. scientific progress by deterring some of the approximately 277,000 Chinese students who arrive annually to further their education.
This case differs from most previous national security cases involving Chinese students, as Ms. Jian and Mr. Liu are accused of importing material rather than exporting it. Charging documents specifically reference Ms. Jian’s written loyalty pledge to the Communist Party of China.
According to a criminal complaint, when a customs agent at Detroit Metropolitan Airport discovered the bags last summer, Mr. Liu initially denied ownership but later confessed to smuggling them for research purposes at the University of Michigan laboratory where Ms. Jian was employed.
The complaint indicates that Mr. Liu had access to the laboratory on certain days and would receive access from Ms. Jian on others for his research activities.
Evidence cited in the complaint suggests that the couple may have previously smuggled materials into the United States. Communications between Ms. Jian and Mr. Liu imply that she may have successfully concealed materials in her shoe during a trip in 2022. Additionally, other messages indicate that Ms. Jian arranged for an associate in China to mail a book containing a hidden plastic baggie in early 2024.
Furthermore, the complaint mentions that Ms. Jian’s cellphone contained a work assessment form signed in January 2024 linked to her research at a Chinese university, which included a pledge of loyalty to China and support for the Communist Party's leadership and educational policies.
Ms. Jian and Mr. Liu face charges including conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud.