The arrest of a Chinese researcher in the United States for allegedly importing an illegal biological pathogen that could kill crops was “politicised” by the US government and could speed up an exodus of Chinese talent from the country, according to some researchers.
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According to a press release from the US Department of Justice on Tuesday, Jian Yunqing, 33, and her boyfriend, Liu Zunyong, 34, allegedly attempted to smuggle the fungus pathogen Fusarium graminearum into the country.
Jian, a research fellow at the University of Michigan, was arrested in connection with the allegations against Liu.
“I personally think this incident has been politicised,” said a Chinese scientist conducting agricultural research at a leading US university.
The researcher, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, added that it would further damage US–China collaboration in agriculture and other areas, potentially encouraging more Chinese researchers to return home.
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China’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday that it did not have any information on the matter.
