Chinese researcher’s death after questioning in US prompts anger in Beijing

Chinese researcher’s death after questioning in US prompts anger in Beijing

A Chinese semiconductor researcher was found dead in the United States following “hostile questioning” by law enforcement, prompting China to demand a full investigation into the incident. The University of Michigan, where the researcher was affiliated, has stated it is examining “a possible act of self-harm” linked to the fatal fall from a campus building on 19 March.

US media have identified the deceased as Danhao Wang, an assistant research scientist in electrical and computer engineering. CBS News reported that Wang died shortly after interacting with federal investigators. The Chinese Embassy in the US, through spokesperson Liu Pengyu, expressed deep concern over the tragedy, stating that China has “repeatedly lodged solemn representations” with relevant US agencies and universities.

“China will continue to take what is necessary to firmly defend Chinese citizens’ legitimate and lawful rights and interests,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Wednesday, reiterating calls for a thorough US inquiry into the case.

Liu Pengyu also urged Chinese students in the US to “heighten their safety awareness” and “handle US law enforcement actions appropriately.” While the embassy did not confirm Wang’s identity to the BBC, Liu had earlier identified him to the South China Morning Post as a University of Michigan researcher. Both the university and the Chinese foreign ministry cited respect for the family and personal privacy when declining to verify the details.

China’s foreign ministry first commented on the case on 27 March, asserting that a Chinese scholar had taken their own life “after being subjected to hostile questioning by US law enforcement personnel.” The ministry claimed such actions “seriously violate Chinese citizens’ lawful rights” and “continue to create a serious chilling effect” on academic exchanges.

This incident has intensified scrutiny of Chinese academics in the US amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. In 2024, Chinese-American neuroscientist Jane Wu, linked to a federal investigation into her ties with China, died by suicide. Her family later sued the university, alleging poor treatment during the probe. In recent years, the US has heightened its checks on Chinese students, citing national security concerns. During Donald Trump’s first term, an order was issued to bar researchers with suspected military connections from US visas. Last year, the Trump administration vowed to “aggressively” revoke visas for Chinese students tied to the Communist Party or studying in strategic fields, though it later reversed this stance by issuing 600,000 visas as trade negotiations progressed.

Additional reporting by Stephen McDonell in Beijing