Agro Terriorism in USA ?
Agroterrorism Attack USA ? Two Chinese Arrested in USA On June 3, 2025, federal authorities in the USA arrested two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian (33) and Zunyong Liu (34), on charges of smuggling a toxic fungus, Fusarium graminearum. This fungus, which can destroy many crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, is called a “potential agroterrorism weapon” by prosecutors. The incident has raised great concern about the safety of America’s food supply and national security. In this blog we look at the details of the case, expert reactions, and its implications on U.S.-China relations. What happened: Smuggling of a dangerous fungus
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Jian and Liu tried to smuggle Fusarium graminearum into a lab at the University of Michigan for research. Jian, who was a postdoctoral researcher there, was arrested. Liu, her boyfriend, and a researcher from a Chinese university were caught at Detroit airport in July 2024 when the fungus was found in their luggage. They were sent back to China. He was charged with lying about smuggling and visa fraud.
Fusarium graminearum is a dangerous plant pathogen that causes billions in losses every year by destroying crops. It also produces mycotoxins that can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues in humans and animals. The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office have called it a “potential agroterrorism weapon” and cited a risk to national security like agro terriorism in USA.
What is Agro Terrorism ?
Agroterrorism means using biological agents, such as pathogens or pests, to harm a country’s agriculture, disrupt its economy, or instill fear in the public. Agriculture is an easy target because it is spread out, has less security, and is vital for the food supply. A single attack can disrupt the supply chain, cause losses worth billions, and erode public trust. It is easy to do, difficult to detect, and there are no clear international laws against it.
Fusarium graminearum could be weaponized, but the fact that it is so common in the USA reduces its threat. Still, the case highlights the risks of agroterrorism, especially when U.S.-China relations are so tense.
American Expert's Warning: Break relations with China!
This case has shaken even the U.S. experts. Gordon G. Chang, who is a big name in Chinese affairs, said that this is an “attack on America”. He warned the Trump administration that this could be a sign of a big conspiracy. Chang said, “Break all relations with China, otherwise there will be a bigger danger than COVID!” Chang says that this toxic fungus smuggling by two Chinese nationals could be a plan against the agriculture and security of the USA.
What will be the impact in the future?
This case has raised questions about the balance between research and security. The lab at the University of Michigan, where Jian worked, did not have a permit to handle *Fusarium*, which raises questions about research rules. This case also shows politics in the name of research, because the Trump government is in the mood to cancel the visas of students associated with the Chinese Communist Party.
People’s posts on X show that the public is also under tension. Some say that China deliberately tried to “poison” the food supply of America, but these things are without proof as of now. Some people consider it a part of global agroterrorism, where even countries like India are facing such attacks.
Conclusion: What's next?
The case of two Chinese nationals accused of smuggling Fusarium graminearum has further fueled fear of agroterrorism in the USA. While authorities and experts like Gordon G. Chang consider it a major security threat and talk of ending relations with China, scientists say the fungus is not that new or dangerous. While U.S.-China relations are already strained, this case shows the need for robust oversight, clear scientific assessment, and a balanced approach to handle threats without blocking genuine research
Finally: what should be done? After Agro Terriorism in USA ?
Two Chinese people smuggling *Fusarium graminearum* is increasing the fear of agroterrorism in America. While experts and authorities like Gordon G. Chang consider it a big threat and talk of ending relations with China, scientists say that this fungus is not that new or dangerous. When U.S.-China relations are already bad, this case shows the need for strict rules, clear science, and a balanced approach, so that danger can be avoided and real research is not obstructed.