Smuggled fungus sparks US concerns over potential Chinese agroterrorism

The Justice Department charged Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, two Chinese scientists, with smuggling a dangerous plant pathogen into the United States in early June. According to an analysis by Foreign Policy, exploring the potential agroterrorism threat, this case has raised significant national security concerns over the possible targeting of the US food supply. 

Jian, a University of Michigan researcher, and her boyfriend Liu, who studies Fusarium graminearum at Zhejiang University in China, are accused of conspiring to bring this fungus through Detroit Metropolitan Airport in July 2023.

The pathogen, Fusarium graminearum, causes Fusarium head blight (FHB), a destructive disease affecting key cereal crops such as wheat, oats, and barley. FBI Director Kash Patel described the incident on X as “a sobering reminder that the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] is working around the clock … to infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply.”

Liu attempted to bring four bags of the fungus and filter paper into the country. Although he initially denied knowledge of the materials, he later admitted he planned to research them at Jian’s lab. The FBI described their actions as a serious violation, calling the pathogen “a potential agroterrorism weapon” and accusing the pair of knowingly violating import regulations meant to protect public safety.

However, the real threat posed by Fusarium graminearum as a weapon remains debated. Experts point out that the fungus has existed in the United States for over 125 years and isn’t on any bioterrorism watchlists. Yet, bringing it into the country without a permit is still illegal, and Liu was reportedly aware of that. Jian and Liu now face charges of conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud.

While Patel’s claim of a state-sponsored plot remains unproven, Foreign Policy notes that China’s record of gray-zone tactics—covert, deniable actions short of open conflict—lends weight to the concern. These tactics include cyberattacks, espionage, and sabotage. The FBI has reported Chinese intrusions at US military bases and theft of intellectual property, and US fficials view such incidents as part of a broader pattern of state-sponsored subversion.

Although there is no evidence yet that the Chinese government was involved in this case, the smuggling of plant pathogens — especially when done multiple times — cannot be dismissed lightly. Past attempts by Jian and Liu to sneak seeds and samples into the country, including hiding them in books and filter paper, suggest a deliberate effort to bypass security protocols.

As the article emphasises, the US must prioritise the prevention of agroterrorism. Beyond criminal intent, diseases like FHB already cause billions in crop losses. The case underlines the need for enhanced forensic tools to trace outbreaks and for bolstered food supply protections.

Even if this incident proves to be a case of reckless scientists sidestepping rules, it highlights a growing vulnerability. The line between academic research and national security is becoming increasingly blurred — and the consequences could be devastating.

By Sabina Mammadli