China Fungus Smuggling Case Deemed 'Worse Than COVID' by U.S. Expert: Calls to Sever Diplomatic Ties Intensify
A top American expert on China has issued a grave warning over a recent smuggling incident involving a dangerous agricultural fungus, calling it an act more dangerous than the COVID-19 pandemic. The expert emphasized that the attempted smuggling by Chinese nationals represents a direct threat to national security and food supply chains in the United States.
The expert, widely recognized for advising on US-China relations, urged immediate action, recommending that the United States consider severing diplomatic ties with China if state involvement in the plot is confirmed.
Background: What Happened?
Two Chinese nationals were accused by U.S. authorities of attempting to smuggle a highly destructive agricultural fungus, Fusarium graminearum, into the United States. This fungus, commonly associated with wheat and corn diseases, poses a serious risk to the American agricultural industry and public health.
The smuggling attempt came to light when one of the accused, entering the United States, was found carrying red-colored fungal samples. The individuals involved allegedly intended to study the fungus at a U.S. university without proper permits or biosafety oversight. Investigators believe that their research activities were coordinated and may have been supported by entities in China.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are treating the case as an agroterrorism threat — a deliberate attempt to disrupt food supplies and cause economic damage using biological agents.
Why Experts Say This Is Worse Than COVID-19
According to the US-China expert:
The fungus targets vital staple crops like wheat, corn, barley, and rice.
It can cause long-term soil contamination and significant yield loss.
An outbreak in the U.S. could result in billions of dollars in agricultural losses.
Unlike viruses like COVID-19, fungal infections in agriculture are harder to detect, slower to control, and harder to eradicate.
In the expert's view, such incidents represent a form of bioeconomic warfare, potentially designed to weaken the United States' agricultural independence and economic stability.
Growing Calls for Diplomatic Repercussions
The incident has added new strain to already tense U.S.-China relations. Security experts and lawmakers are calling for:
A full congressional investigation into foreign influence in U.S. research institutions.
A reassessment of China’s access to American scientific infrastructure.
Stricter enforcement of international biosafety and biosecurity protocols.
Potential sanctions or diplomatic fallout if state-sponsored activity is proven.
The expert emphasized that failing to respond with seriousness could embolden future attempts at biothreats under the guise of research.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Fusarium graminearum and why is it dangerous?
It is a fungal pathogen that affects crops like wheat, corn, and barley. It causes Fusarium head blight, which reduces crop yield and quality and can also produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.
Q2: Why is this being compared to COVID-19?
While COVID-19 was a public health crisis, this fungus threatens national food security. A large-scale crop infection could trigger food shortages and economic losses, potentially surpassing the economic impact of a pandemic.
Q3: Is there evidence that China was involved in the smuggling?
As of now, direct state sponsorship has not been confirmed. However, one of the accused has ties to institutions in China and is reportedly affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party, prompting national security concerns.
Q4: What actions can the U.S. government take?
Actions may include sanctions, restrictions on scientific collaboration, enhanced screening of foreign researchers, and even reconsideration of diplomatic or trade relations with China.
Q5: What is agroterrorism?
Agroterrorism refers to the intentional introduction of pests, pathogens, or toxins to disrupt agriculture and food supplies. It is considered a national security threat under U.S. law.
Published on : JUNE 8th, 2025
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