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Gordon Chang, a senior fellow at the Gatestone Institute, has raised alarms about a serious agroterrorism threat as Chinese nationals face allegations of smuggling a hazardous crop-destroying fungus into the United States.
Chang stressed that this issue has been developing for over five years. He pointed out that in 2020, unsolicited seeds originating from China were sent to Americans in all 50 states, reflecting an intention to introduce these invasive species.
“This has to stop,” Chang declared during a recent discussion.
He called for no bail to be granted to Yunqing Jian, a 33-year-old Communist Party loyalist and post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan. Jian is one of the individuals implicated in the alleged smuggling of the pathogen.
The FBI alleges that Jian and her boyfriend, 34-year-old Zunyong Liu, conspired to transport the pathogen, which many experts believe could potentially harm the American food supply.
Chang insisted, “She should be sent to Guantanamo,” while emphasizing that discussions should not occur with a regime that undermines American interests. He articulated his concerns, noting that the threats extend beyond this fungus; they also include fentanyl and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details from an arrest affidavit reveal that Jian imported Fusarium graminearum, identified in scientific discussions as a possible agroterrorism weapon, into the United States in August 2022.
A WeChat conversation transcript between Jian and Liu reportedly shows Liu advising Jian on the smuggling strategy for the fungus.
The Department of Justice characterizes fusarium graminearum as a pathogen that causes “head blight.” This disease affects important crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, resulting in substantial economic losses globally every year.
Furthermore, the pathogen poses toxicity risks to humans, raising additional alarm bells.
Chang criticized American universities for profiting from their relationships with China, suggesting that these connections have created vulnerable situations allowing potential enemies access to U.S. soil.
He remarked, “These very disturbing ties between American institutions of higher learning and China must be severed, especially in light of evident hazards as showcased by this fungus situation.”
In response to the unfolding situation, the University of Michigan issued a statement asserting its dedication to research that benefits the well-being of both Michigan residents and the global community.
“As one of the world’s leading public research institutions, we are committed to advancing knowledge and solving challenging problems,” the university stated. It strongly condemned actions that would harm national security or undermine its public mission.
Importantly, the university indicated it has not received any financial backing from the Chinese government in relation to the research involving the accused individuals. Furthermore, they pledged continued cooperation with federal law enforcement during the ongoing investigation and prosecution.
Chang’s warnings signal a growing awareness surrounding the potential ramifications of foreign influence on American scientific and agricultural practices. As incidents like this unfold, pushing for stricter measures and greater scrutiny of international connections may enter public discourse.
Amid these developments, the implications for both national security and agricultural integrity remain critical. Stakeholders will likely keep a close watch on how this scenario evolves in the coming days and weeks.
In summary, calls for heightened vigilance are likely to resonate as the discussions around agricultural security intensify, alongside the precarious dynamics between the U.S. and China.
Fox News’ Peter D’Abrosca contributed to this report.
