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China demands investigation into researcher's death in US
Chinese authorities have called on the United States to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of a Chinese semiconductor researcher, Danhao Wang, following what they describe as "hostile questioning" by US law enforcement. Wang, an assistant research scientist at the University of Michigan, died on 19 March after falling from a campus building, an incident the university is treating as a possible act of self-harm.
Circumstances surrounding Wang's death
Wang was found dead shortly after speaking with federal investigators, according to reports by CBS News. The University of Michigan confirmed the incident in a statement, stating it was examining the circumstances of the researcher's fatal fall. While the university and Chinese officials have not publicly confirmed Wang's identity out of respect for his family, sources including the South China Morning Post and the Chinese Embassy in the US have identified him as the deceased.
China's response and demands
Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, expressed deep distress over the tragedy. "China has repeatedly lodged solemn representations with relevant US government agencies and universities regarding this case," Liu told the BBC on Thursday. He added that Chinese officials have been in contact with Wang's family to offer assistance.
China's foreign ministry first addressed the case on 27 March, alleging that Wang took his own life "after being subjected to hostile questioning by US law enforcement personnel." The ministry condemned the actions as a violation of Chinese citizens' lawful rights and called for a "full investigation" and a "responsible explanation" from US authorities.
"Such actions seriously violate Chinese citizens' lawful rights, poison the atmosphere for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and continue to create a serious chilling effect."
Chinese Foreign Ministry
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated these demands on Wednesday, stating that China would "continue to take what is necessary to firmly defend Chinese citizens' legitimate and lawful rights and interests."
Broader context of US-China academic tensions
Wang's death has reignited concerns about the treatment of Chinese academics in the US amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. In 2024, the family of Chinese-American neuroscientist Jane Wu sued Northwestern University after her suicide, alleging the institution mistreated her during a prolonged federal investigation into her ties with China.
The US has intensified scrutiny of Chinese students and researchers in recent years, citing national security concerns. In 2020, former President Donald Trump signed an order barring Chinese students and researchers with suspected military ties from obtaining US visas. While the Trump administration later vowed to "aggressively" revoke visas for Chinese students linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields, the US issued 600,000 student visas to Chinese nationals last year as relations showed signs of thawing.
Safety advisory for Chinese students in the US
The Chinese Embassy has urged Chinese students in the US to "heighten their safety awareness" and "handle US law enforcement actions appropriately." The embassy declined to comment further on Wang's identity, citing privacy concerns.
For those affected by the issues discussed in this article, support is available through the BBC Action Line.
