Chinese officials have alleged that a researcher from the University of Michigan was questioned by U.S. law enforcement shortly before his death on campus last month, although U.S. authorities have not confirmed this claim.
Danhao Wang, a research assistant in electrical and computer engineering, tragically died in an incident within the George G. Brown Building in March, according to the university.
On March 19, around 11 p.m., police were called to the building after reports of someone who had fallen. When they arrived, they found Wang had fallen from an upper floor and was later declared dead.
Authorities noted that the incident is being examined as a potential self-inflicted injury, and they stated there’s no ongoing threat to the university community.
Meanwhile, Chinese authorities have voiced their concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding Wang’s death. In a statement from the Chinese consulate in Chicago on March 30, they mentioned that Wang had died “a day after being interrogated by U.S. law enforcement officials,” asserting that these acts were directed by the Chinese government. They have filed several formal protests with U.S. agencies and universities.
The consulate stated it is providing support to Wang’s family and accused the U.S. of “overextending” its national security measures, which has led to “groundless interrogation and harassment” of Chinese students and scholars.
They also cautioned of a “severe chilling effect,” advising Chinese citizens in the U.S. to be cautious in dealings with the law enforcement and to reach out to diplomatic missions if they find themselves in similar situations. However, the consulate did not specify any names.
Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, expressed at a press conference on March 27 that China is protesting the matter and has called for a full investigation into the alleged “groundless questioning” faced by Chinese scholars and students.
U.S. officials have not confirmed any questioning took place. The FBI’s Detroit field office declined to comment on whether they had any interaction with Wang, stating that they do not confirm or deny the existence of investigations involving specific individuals.
The University of Michigan Police have informed that no additional information can be released at this time since the investigation is still ongoing.
Initially, there were questions raised regarding the circumstances surrounding Wang’s death, and federal authorities have refrained from commenting on whether he was questioned prior to his passing.
The matter remains under investigation, with an autopsy report being pursued. Wang was described by the Dean of Engineering, Karen Toll, as “a bright young mind with a promising future,” whose work on advanced semiconductor materials had been published in reputable journals.
This occurrence is set against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny directed at Chinese nationals in U.S. universities. Recent reports have indicated that federal authorities have charged individuals linked to the University of Michigan for attempting to smuggle biological materials into the country.
