Two Chinese nationals were caught smuggling a deadly fungus into the U.S. that experts warn could devastate American agriculture and potentially threaten the nation’s survival as part of what appears to be a growing Chinese agroterrorism threat.
Key Takeaways
- Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, Chinese citizens, have been charged with conspiracy and smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a dangerous fungus considered a potential agroterrorism weapon, into the United States.
- Jian, allegedly a member of the Chinese Communist Party, received funding from the Chinese government for research on the pathogen that can devastate wheat and barley crops.
- Security experts warn that China’s targeting of U.S. agriculture represents a severe national security threat that could cripple America’s food supply and economy.
- The case highlights America’s vulnerability to agricultural terrorism and the urgent need for enhanced biosecurity measures similar to post-COVID pandemic responses.
- Over 400,000 acres of American farmland are currently owned by Chinese entities, prompting states like Georgia to ban adversarial foreign nations from purchasing agricultural land.
Chinese Nationals Charged in Dangerous Biological Smuggling Plot
The Department of Justice has charged Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu with conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud after they allegedly smuggled Fusarium graminearum into the United States. The fungus, classified as a “potential agroterrorism weapon,” poses significant risks to American agriculture and food security. Liu admitted to smuggling the pathogen into the country for research at the University of Michigan, while Jian reportedly received Chinese government funding for research on the fungus and is a member of the Chinese Communist Party according to the Justice Department.
“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.
The case represents part of President Trump’s broader crackdown on foreign students with anti-American activities or ties to the Chinese Communist Party. FBI Detroit and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials collaborated in the investigation, emphasizing the national security implications of biological threats to American agriculture. The Justice Department is now considering whether to pursue a felony indictment against the suspects as the investigation continues.
Experts Warn of Existential Threat to U.S. Food Security
Former Department of Homeland Security official Kristofor Healey has issued stark warnings about the vulnerability of America’s agricultural sector to foreign threats like the one posed by these Chinese nationals. Fusarium graminearum can devastate wheat and barley crops, causing significant economic losses and presenting serious health issues for both humans and livestock. The threat mirrors other forms of terrorism in its potential to disrupt critical national infrastructure and compromise food security.
“Agroterrorism is any attempt to bring items into the United States intentionally that would impact our food supply,” stated Kristofor Healey.
Healey draws parallels between the threat of agroterrorism and the global impact of COVID-19, suggesting that the U.S. must place greater emphasis on agricultural and biological terror threats. The arrests highlight concerning patterns of individuals with laboratory backgrounds potentially causing severe disruptions to U.S. food safety and infrastructure. Americans are advised to prepare for potential agroterrorism attacks by planning for the future and remaining vigilant about such threats.
States Taking Action Against Foreign Agricultural Threats
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper has praised the Department of Justice’s actions against the Chinese nationals and highlighted the broader threat China poses to America’s food supply. Harper has been at the forefront of efforts to ban Chinese ownership of Georgia farmland to prevent foreign control over U.S. agriculture. In 2024, Georgia implemented legislation banning adversarial foreign nations from purchasing farmland in the state, a measure directly targeting the estimated 400,000 acres of American farmland currently owned by Chinese entities.
“Make no mistake, China represents a direct threat to the safety and security of America’s food supply, and I applaud President Trump’s Department of Justice for their outstanding work,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper.
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford has emphasized the importance of a safe and stable food supply, advocating for a counterintelligence office to support the USDA in addressing agricultural threats. Crawford included provisions for such an office in the FY24 Intelligence Authorization Act, though the previous Biden administration did not implement this recommendation. Security experts continue to press for enhanced measures to protect American agriculture from what they see as a coordinated campaign by China to undermine U.S. food security and economic stability.
