Two **Chinese** nationals are facing charges for **attempting to smuggle a fungus** into the **U.S.**, which authorities have labeled a “dangerous biological pathogen.”
Eunjing Jian, 33, and Zuniong Liu, 34, are charged with conspiracy, smuggling, making false statements, and visa fraud, according to officials in Michigan.
As per the complaint, Liu **attempted to import the fungus via Detroit airport** to conduct research at a University of Michigan lab where Jian, his partner, is employed.
The fungus, identified by the BBC as **Fusarium graminearum**, can lead to diseases in wheat, barley, maize, and rice, with the potential to devastate crops. If it contaminates food, it may cause vomiting and liver damage.
Scientific literature refers to this fungus as a “*potential agro-terrorist weapon*,” contributing to **billions of dollars in global economic losses each year**.
U.S. officials further allege that Jian received funding from the Chinese government for her research on this pathogen in China and that she is a member of the **Chinese Communist Party**.
This case arises amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly regarding tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, which Beijing has countered.
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