Expert Warns of Severe Threats from Fungus Smuggling Case Involving China

In a recent development that has raised alarm among U.S. officials, two Chinese researchers, Zunyong Liu and Yunqing Jian, have been charged with smuggling a potentially dangerous agricultural fungus into the United States. The case has been described by Gordon G. Chang, a prominent expert on China, as a threat that could surpass the COVID-19 pandemic. He urges the U.S. government to take drastic measures, including severing relations with China, to prevent further risks to national security.

The fungus in question, Fusarium graminearum, is known to cause Fusarium head blight, or ‘scab,’ which primarily affects crops like wheat and barley. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Liu was found with samples of the fungus hidden in his backpack during a flight to the U.S. Liu claimed ignorance regarding the contents of the bags, asserting that they were intended for research at a lab at the University of Michigan where Jian was employed.

Chang, who has extensive experience in China as Counsel to the American law firm Paul Weiss, characterized the pair’s actions as tantamount to waging war against the United States. He warned that unless the U.S. adopts a more aggressive stance towards China, it may face threats that are more severe than those posed by the ongoing pandemic. "Xi Jinping talks about going to war all the time, and he is mobilizing all of Chinese society to go to war," Chang stated during an interview with Fox News on June 8, 2025.

Chang's assertions come in the wake of ongoing debates about the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which many believe may have been engineered in a Chinese laboratory. He labeled the fungus smuggling incident as an attack on U.S. sovereignty and indicated that the nation must prepare for more significant threats, possibly involving bioweapons, from China.

However, agricultural experts have provided a counter-narrative, suggesting that while Fusarium graminearum can be harmful, it has been present in the U.S. for over a century and can be managed effectively with pesticide treatments. Jessica Rutkoski, a professor of crop sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, noted that the fungus's toxicity requires regular and substantial consumption to pose health risks. She remarked, "As a weapon, it would be a pretty ineffective one," emphasizing the extensive testing and measures in place to mitigate its impact.

This incident highlights the complexities of U.S.-China relations, particularly regarding agricultural security and biosecurity threats. Experts argue that while the charges are serious, the response must be measured and based on scientific evidence rather than fear-driven rhetoric.

In summary, the fungus smuggling case has ignited concerns over national security and agricultural biosecurity in the United States. While some experts advocate for a hardline approach towards China, others caution against overreacting to the risks posed by agricultural pathogens, advocating instead for a balanced response that prioritizes public health and safety.

As the U.S. grapples with these emerging threats, the implications for agricultural policy, international relations, and biosecurity protocols remain significant. Future monitoring and research into Fusarium graminearum and similar pathogens will be essential in safeguarding both U.S. agriculture and public health.