– Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China, today called for stronger “biosecurity measures” and “enhanced vetting and significant limits” for foreign students entering the US in the wake of recent  revelations that two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, have been charged with smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a toxic fungus that poses significant threats to U.S. agriculture and public health, into the United States. Jian, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan, is reported to be a member of the Chinese Communist Party.

“I commend the men and women with Customs and Border Protection and those with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their work in stopping this potential threat,” said Smith, a longtime human rights lawmaker and recognized China expert.  “We cannot afford to view this incident as an isolated matter, but part of pattern of Chinese Communist Party unrestricted warfare activities that threaten the health, safety, and security of our nation and its people. 

“Surely this is just the tip of the iceberg,” Smith said.  “The attempted smuggling of this dangerous pathogen underscores the need for biosecurity measures and enhanced vetting and protective limits for foreign student visas.

“The Department of Homeland Security should quickly act to implement additional screening measures and other safeguards to prevent a similar incident,” said the senior Republican who has held 106 hearings on human rights, labor and other abuses in China. “Secretary Rubio has already initiated a serious review of student visas—especially and including those for students from China. We must also look to cancel any existing visas held by any CCP members currently in the United States.  We cannot allow the CCP to exploit our visa system to conduct activities that threaten the safety and well-being of American citizens.”

Contact:
Jeff Sagnip (202) 225-3765
http://chrissmith.house.gov

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