Story perspectives

Chinese Nationals Charged in U.S. Agroterrorism Plot

6/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, are in hot water for allegedly trying to smuggle a dangerous fungus, Fusarium graminearum, into the U.S. This potent pathogen, seen as a potential agroterrorism threat, was intended for research at the University of Michigan. While Jian has been arrested by the FBI, Liu remains at large in China.

History

Historical Context

The recent arrest of Yunqing Jian for attempting to smuggle Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. echoes historical fears of agroterrorism. In 1989, a false cyanide scare linked to Chilean grapes caused widespread panic and economic damage, highlighting vulnerabilities in agricultural biosecurity. The term "agroterrorism," coined in 1999, underscores ongoing concerns about biological threats to food systems, necessitating vigilance against such risks today.

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Story summary

Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, are in hot water for allegedly trying to smuggle a dangerous fungus, Fusarium graminearum, into the U.S. This potent pathogen, seen as a potential agroterrorism threat, was intended for research at the University of Michigan. While Jian has been arrested by the FBI, Liu remains at large in China.

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