A leading expert on China has issued a stark warning about a potential bioweapon threat, claiming it could be worse than Covid-19. The concern arises after two Chinese nationals were arrested for allegedly smuggling a hazardous fungus into the United States. The fungus, identified as Fusarium graminearum, is known to cause head blight, a devastating disease affecting crops like wheat, barley, maize, and rice.
According to US federal prosecutors, the accused individuals, Zunyong Liu (34) and Yunqing Jian (33), conspired to illegally import the fungus into the country. The US Department of Justice has classified the pathogen as a potential agroterrorism agent, citing its ability to cause billions in agricultural losses annually. Additionally, it poses serious health risks to humans and animals, including vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive harm.
Gordon G. Chang, a well-known China analyst, described the smuggling as a hostile act against the United States. He warned that without decisive action, the country could face a crisis even more severe than the Covid-19 pandemic. Chang emphasized that the only way to prevent such threats is to sever diplomatic ties with Beijing, arguing that China has hostile intentions toward the US.
Investigators revealed that the arrested individuals had previously studied the fungus in China, raising concerns about biosecurity breaches. The case has reignited debates about biological warfare, with some experts drawing parallels to the Covid-19 origins controversy. While agricultural specialists argue that the fungus is already widespread in the US and can be managed with fungicides and resistant crops, the potential for agroterrorism remains a pressing concern.
The fungal smuggling case has sparked fears of biological threats and agroterrorism, prompting calls for stricter biosecurity measures. As investigations continue, experts warn that global vigilance is necessary to prevent future incidents that could have catastrophic consequences.