Latest news with #Ccp
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chinese bio-smuggling suspect cries in court over federal detention
Two Chinese nationals accused of smuggling biological materials into the United States appeared in court Friday as federal authorities fight to keep them detained in cases they say concern "national security." University of Michigan post-doctoral research fellow Yunqing Jian and Huazhong University of Science and Technology student Chengxuan Han were ordered to remain in federal custody as their separate cases remain ongoing. During the hearing, Han, who is accused of mailing packages containing biological materials to the University of Michigan's laboratory, became visibly emotional and was seen choking back tears when she learned her preliminary hearing had been pushed to a later date. In her brief detention hearing Friday, Han's attorney said her client is consenting to detention without prejudice and will remain in federal custody. Ccp Loyalist Should Be Sent To Gitmo After Arrest For Alleged Pathogen Smuggling, Says China Expert "Ms. Han is presumed innocent, and we will await further proceedings to comment any further," her attorney previously said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Read On The Fox News App Han's preliminary hearing was initially set for June 23, but was subsequently rescheduled for June 30. Both Han and Jian will remain in federal custody until their next hearings. Jian and her boyfriend, Chinese researcher Zunyong Liu, were charged this month after they first attempted to transport Fusarium graminearum, a "potential agroterrorism weapon" that can inflict dangerous health effects on humans, into the country in August 2022, prosecutors said. "The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals—including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party—are of the gravest national security concerns," interm U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Jerome Gorgon said in a statement. "These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a 'potential agroterrorism weapon' into the heartland of America, where they apparently intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme." Han was also arrested in June after allegedly mailing four packages containing undeclared biological material to individuals working in the University of Michigan's laboratory from September 2024 to March 2025, according to the criminal complaint. In the case of Jian and Liu, a WeChat conversation allegedly revealed the couple brainstorming ways to transport the substance, with Jian ultimately deciding to stash the bags in her shoes. The fungus causes a "head blight," described as a disease of wheat, maize, rice and barley, and is responsible for billions of dollars of economic losses throughout the world each year, according to the Department of Justice. If ingested by humans, the substance can cause vomiting, liver damage and "reproductive defects in humans and livestock." Friday's detention hearing lasted approximately two minutes, with Jian appearing in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffed around the waist. A federal judge adjourned the hearing until next Friday due to Jian's request to seek private counsel. According to the criminal complaint, Jian initially received Chinese government funding for her work on the pathogen while studying at the University of Michigan and allegedly lied on her student visa application regarding her education plans in the U.S. Prosecutors allege Jian first attempted to smuggle the fungus into the U.S. in 2022, with one instance of her asking a third party to send her Fusarium graminearum in January 2024. Jian's attorney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Chinese Official Claims No Knowledge Of Fungus Situation, Says China Requires Citizens 'Abide By Local Laws' "There are usually no problems," Jian said in a message to the third person. "Rest assured. I have mailed these before." The most recent smuggling attempt allegedly occurred in July 2024, when Liu arrived at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport to visit Jian, according to authorities. Upon landing, Liu was flagged by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and subsequently searched. Authorities allegedly discovered "a wad of tissues crumpled up in a small pocket in Liu's backpack," according to the affidavit. Suspected Chinese Bioterrorists Smuggled Killer Agent Into Us In Boots, Officials Say "The tissues concealed a note in Chinese, a round piece of filter paper with a series of circles drawn on it, and four clear plastic baggies with small clumps of reddish plant material inside," the affidavit said. The filter paper was sent for testing by the FBI, which revealed it contained Fusarium graminearum, according to authorities. The plastic baggies also allegedly carried material that was contaminated by the fungus, authorities said. "In addition, the laboratory identified 10 separate samples from the filter paper," the affidavit said. "Each sample had a hand drawn circle around it, and each circle was labeled with a code containing letters and/or numbers. The sample labeled '06172' was identified by the FBI laboratory to contain the DNA sequence for Fusarium graminearum." Liu allegedly denied carrying the pathogen, but later admitted to bringing it to the U.S. intentionally, officials said. He allegedly told authorities the pair planned to use the university's laboratory to conduct research. Patel: Chinese Nationals Charged With Smuggling 'Known Agroterrorism Agent' Into Us Is A 'Direct Threat' "These individuals exploited their access to laboratory facilities at a local university to engage in the smuggling of biological pathogens, an act that posed an imminent threat to public safety," Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, said in a statement. Both Jian and Liu are charged with conspiracy, making false statements, visa fraud and smuggling goods into the U.S. Chinese Student Arrested For Allegedly Smuggling Undeclared Biological Materials Seen In New Mugshot "As one of the world's leading public research institutions, the University of Michigan is dedicated to advancing knowledge, solving challenging problems and improving nearly every facet of the human experience," the university previously said in a statement. "We strongly condemn any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university's critical public mission. It is important to note that the university has received no funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals. We have and will continue to cooperate with federal law enforcement in its ongoing investigation and prosecution." Han also made an appearance in federal court Friday. She is charged with smuggling goods into the U.S. and making false statements, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital. Chinese Phd Student From Wuhan Arrested Smuggling Biological Materials After Deleting Electronic Evidence: Doj Authorities allege Han, a Ph.D. student at Wuhan's College of Life Science and Technology in the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, mailed four packages containing undeclared biological materials to staff members at the University of Michigan's laboratory. Han was arrested on Sunday while traveling to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport from Shanghai on a J1 visa. Upon her arrival, Han was searched by CBP officers, and subsequently confronted about the packages. According to the criminal complaint, Han allegedly denied mailing the packages, but later admitted she had sent them after being pressed by authorities. Han initially told CBP officers the packages only contained plastic cups – not petri dishes – and a book, according to court documents. Foreign Nationals Charged Amid Trump Visa Crackdown For Scheme To Smuggle Us Military Equipment Into China Han allegedly confessed to sending the packages, which contained roundworm-related biomaterials, telling FBI and Homeland Security officials that she had initially lied to CBP agents. Officers also discovered Han's electronic devices had been wiped of their content three days before her arrival in the U.S. Former Us Army Intelligence Analyst Sentenced For Selling Sensitive Documents To Chinese National "The alleged smuggling of biological materials by this alien from a science and technology university in Wuhan, China – to be used at a University of Michigan laboratory – is part of an alarming pattern that threatens our security," Gorgon said in a statement. "The American taxpayer should not be underwriting a PRC-based smuggling operation at one of our crucial public institutions." Fox News' Olivianna Calmes and Peter D'Abrosca contributed to this report. Original article source: Chinese bio-smuggling suspect cries in court over federal detention
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
US cuts defense ties with Cuba over 'non-cooperation' after harboring terror fugitives
The U.S. State Department has determined and certified Cuba as a "not fully cooperating country" (NFCC) for not helping with counterterrorism efforts after the island nation failed to turn over at least 11 fugitives in 2024 to U.S. custody. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce made the announcement on Tuesday that the certification, which falls under Section 40A of the Arms Export Control Act, will result in the prohibition on the sale or license for export of defense services to Cuba. "In 2024, the Cuban regime did not fully cooperate with the United States on counterterrorism," Bruce said in a statement. "There were at least 11 U.S. fugitives from justice in Cuba, including several facing terrorism-related charges, and the Cuban regime made clear it was not willing to discuss their return to face justice in our nation." "The Cuban regime's refusal to engage on this important issue, as well as other recent circumstances of non-cooperation on terrorism-related law enforcement matters, made efforts to cooperate on counterterrorism issues futile in 2024," she continued. China Denies New Report Linking Ccp To 4 Sites In Cuba Allegedly Used To Spy On The Us Secretary of State Marco Rubio not only certified Cuba as an NFCC, he also re-certified Iran, Syria, Venezuela and North Korea as NFCCs. Read On The Fox News App In January, the Biden administration lifted Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, reversing a move made by the Trump administration in 2021. Former President Joe Biden said at the time that the Cuban government "has not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding six-month period" as well as "provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future." Democrats And Republicans Criticize Biden Admin's Cuba Détente Cuba was given the designation in January 2021, shortly before Biden took office. At the time, the U.S. Embassy in Cuba accused the country of "repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism in granting safe harbor to terrorists." The designation returned the Caribbean nation to a list that it was on from the Reagan administration to that of former President Barack Obama. In 2016, Obama became the first U.S. president to visit Cuba since 1928. White House Removes Cuba's State Sponsor Of Terrorism Designation, Reversing Trump Administration Move The Obama administration attempted to normalize relations in 2015 but encountered resistance from President Donald Trump, whose administration recently argued that Cuba has failed to cooperate on counterterrorism. State Department officials said Cuba refused to extradite 10 suspects wanted in Colombia for a police academy bombing that killed 22 people and injured dozens more. Authorities also accused Cuba of harboring multiple American fugitives, including Joanne Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur. She was convicted of killing New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster in 1973. In the summer of 2017, Trump imposed travel and financial restrictions on Cuba while blasting as "one-sided" Obama's 2016 deal with the regime. Fox News Digital's Andrea Margolis contributed to this article source: US cuts defense ties with Cuba over 'non-cooperation' after harboring terror fugitives
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US agriculture supply chain to be protected from Chinese Communist Party in Hinson, Ricketts bipartisan bill
FIRST ON FOX: Rep. Ashley Hinson and Sen. Pete Ricketts are rolling out a bicameral bill with bipartisan support that would secure agriculture supply chains in the United States from vulnerabilities and potential Chinese Communist Party exploitation, Fox News Digital has learned. Hinson, R-Iowa, will introduce the Securing American Agriculture Act in the House of Representatives, while Ricketts, R-Neb., will introduce the measure in the Senate. Flashback: House Dems, Republicans Team Up To Block Ccp Encroachment On Us Food Supply The Securing American Agriculture Act would require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct an annual assessment to identify supply chain vulnerabilities, domestic production gaps and potential CCP exploitation. It also would direct the secretary of Agriculture to recommend ways to strengthen U.S. reliance and reduce China's influence in the industry to mitigate potential threats. The bill would ensure that the USDA accurately accounts for U.S. dependence on China for critical agricultural inputs and guarantee access for American producers. Read On The Fox News App "China has intentionally captured a significant market share of America's agricultural inputs — which is vital to our food supply chain — ceding leverage to our top adversary," Hinson told Fox News Digital Tuesday. "Iowa farmers have told me firsthand that if China decides to shut off U.S. access to these critical inputs, our food production would be in jeopardy. I'm proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill that exposes and counters China's grip on agricultural inputs to strengthen domestic manufacturing and food security." Hinson added: "Plain and simple: We should bring our agriculture supply chain home." And Ricketts told Fox News Digital Tuesday that "Communist China's strategic control over crucial sectors of our food and agricultural supply chains poses a serious national security threat." China Threatens Our Farmers And Food Supply. States Need To Step Up "Losing access to key inputs could reduce productivity, increase food prices and undermine food security," Ricketts told Fox News Digital. "My bill will bolster and protect these supply chains and reduce our reliance on foreign adversaries." The bill is also supported by House China Committee Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., who said the bipartisan bill is "a critical step forward in protecting our nation's food supply and farmers from foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, who threaten our agricultural security." "America's farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we must ensure they have the resources and safeguards needed to compete on a level playing field while securing our nation's agricultural supply chains," Krishnamoorthi told Fox News Digital. The bill is also supported by House China Committee Chairman John Moolenaar, R-Mich.; Rep, Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii; Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas; and Rep. Scott Franklin, R-Fla., among others. In the Senate, Democrat Sen. Elissa Slotkin; Republican Sens. James Risch, R-Idaho; Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V.; Eric Schmitt, R-Mo.; Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo.; Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb.; and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., also support the bill. Slotkin told Fox News Digital that "food security is national security." "We need to treat threats to our food supply chain just like any other security risk," Slotkin said. "This legislation requires us to assess those risks so we can protect our food supply. Bottom line: We need to make sure America's agriculture supply chain is secure and stays right here at home."Original article source: US agriculture supply chain to be protected from Chinese Communist Party in Hinson, Ricketts bipartisan bill
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
US Embassy in Thailand warns Americans of 'violent retaliatory attacks' risk after Uyghurs deported to China
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok is warning Americans of potential "violent retaliatory attacks" Friday after a group of 45 Uyghurs were deported by Thailand to China in a move Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned in the "strongest possible terms." Thai police and security officials said China had given assurances that the men — who had been in custody for more than a decade — wouldn't face penalties or be harmed. They said at a news conference Thursday that all of them voluntarily returned after being shown a translation of a written Chinese agreement requesting their repatriation and declaring they would be allowed to live normally. "Similar deportations have prompted violent retaliatory attacks in the past," the U.S. Embassy warned though on Friday. "Most notably, in the wake of a 2015 deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand, improvised explosive devices detonated at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok killing 20 people and injuring 125 others as this shrine is heavily visited by tourists from China." The Embassy is now encouraging Americans in Thailand to "exercise increased caution and vigilance, especially in crowded locations frequented by tourists due to the potential for increased collateral risk." Female American Tourist, 37, Goes Missing During Jet Ski Ride In Thailand: Report Rubio slammed the deportations Thursday, describing it as a "forced return of at least 40 Uyghurs to China, where they lack due process rights and where Uyghurs have faced persecution, forced labor, and torture." Read On The Fox News App "As Thailand's longstanding ally, we are alarmed by this action, which risks running afoul of its international obligations under the U.N. Convention Against Torture and the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance," Rubio continued. "This act runs counter to the Thai people's longstanding tradition of protection for the most vulnerable and is inconsistent with Thailand's commitment to protect human rights." "We urge all governments in countries where Uyghurs seek protection not to forcibly return ethnic Uyghurs to China," he added. "We call on Chinese authorities to provide full access to verify the well-being of the returned Uyghurs on a regular basis," Rubio also said. "The Thai Government must insist and fully verify continuously that Chinese authorities protect the Uyghurs' human rights." Top House Republican Threatens To Expose Ccp Officials If China Invades Taiwan Thai lawmakers, activists and lawyers had raised the alarm Wednesday that the men were about to be deported, and after midnight, trucks with black sheets covering their windows left Bangkok's Immigration Detention Center, where they had been held, according to the Associated Press. The news agency reported that it appeared the truck drove them to Bangkok's Don Mueang airport, where a China Southern Airlines plane was waiting, and then flew to the heartland of China's Uyghur population in northwestern Xinjiang province. In a statement on Facebook, the Chinese Embassy acknowledged Thursday that 40 Chinese nationals who it said entered Thailand illegally were deported to Xinjiang by a chartered flight. It said the men had been detained in Thailand for more than 10 years because of "complicated international factors." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: US Embassy in Thailand warns Americans of 'violent retaliatory attacks' risk after Uyghurs deported to China
