Three Chinese research scholars at the University of Michigan now face serious criminal charges, underscoring the growing scrutiny on national security issues linked to foreign researchers. Xu Bai, 28, Fengfan Zhang, 27, and Zhiyong Zhang, 30, are accused of attempting to smuggle biological materials into the United States. Such incidents have become alarmingly frequent, prompting federal investigations into vulnerabilities associated with foreign nationals.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the charges on Wednesday, revealing that Bai and Fengfan Zhang conspired to sneak biological materials into the country, while Zhiyong Zhang is charged with providing false statements to federal agents. All three were on J-1 visas, which are meant for educational and cultural exchange. They conducted research under the supervision of Professor Xianzhong “Shawn” Xu at the university’s laboratory.
According to the Justice Department’s findings, Bai and Fengfan Zhang received multiple international shipments containing biological substances tied to roundworms. These shipments, sent by Chengxuan Han—a Chinese Ph.D. candidate—were allegedly not declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This incident follows the recent conviction of Han, who was found guilty of smuggling and making false statements. Han had also erased critical data from her electronic devices before entering the U.S., adding another layer of concern to her case.
The university acted swiftly after the charges emerged, terminating the enrollment of Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang. The school decided to take this action when the three refused to cooperate during an internal investigation linked to Han’s arrest. This refusal to engage suggested an unwillingness to clarify their involvement in the situation. Eventually, they attempted to flee the U.S., rescheduling international flights before being stopped at John F. Kennedy International Airport on October 16, 2025.
During the investigation, Zhiyong Zhang allegedly provided misleading information related to Han. His colleagues, Bai and Fengfan Zhang, admitted to receiving packages from Han, even after her arrest. This raises significant concerns about their compliance with U.S. laws.
The case adds to growing worries about the presence of Chinese nationals in sensitive biological research domains within the United States. In a related incident earlier this year, two other Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, were charged with attempting to smuggle a potentially harmful fungus into the country for research at the same university. These developments are alarming, as they not only suggest potential threats to national security but also expose institutional vulnerabilities regarding foreign collaboration.
Moreover, the U.S. Department of Education is currently probing the University of Michigan for alleged misreporting of foreign funding sources. Authorities have raised concerns about the improper characterization of some foreign funders—who appear to have connections to foreign governments, including China—as nongovernmental entities. This investigation follows UM’s prior termination of a two-decade partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University due to national security issues.
As federal agencies scrutinize these recurring patterns, it becomes clear that the implications of these situations extend far beyond individual cases. They reflect a broader concern regarding foreign influence in U.S. academic institutions, especially those involved in critical research areas. The need for transparency and compliance with federal laws has never been more critical, as authorities work to assess the full extent of foreign funding and its potential impacts on American research and security. This focus on rigorous adherence to regulations and thorough investigations is essential to safeguarding U.S. interests in an increasingly complex global landscape.
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