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

The death of Danhao Wang, a Chinese semiconductor researcher, has sparked outrage in Beijing after he was found lifeless following “hostile questioning” by US law enforcement. US media reports confirm Wang, affiliated with the University of Michigan, died shortly after speaking with federal investigators, as detailed by CBS News. The university stated it is examining “a possible act of self-harm” following Wang’s fatal fall from a campus building on 19 March.

Chinese Embassy Spokesperson’s Statement

“This tragedy has deeply distressed us,” said Liu Pengyu, a representative from the Chinese Embassy in the US, when addressing the BBC on Thursday. He added that China has “repeatedly raised serious concerns with relevant US government agencies and universities” and that the victim’s family has been contacted for “support during the aftermath.” Liu also urged Chinese students abroad to “increase their vigilance” and “respond appropriately to US law enforcement actions.”

Although the embassy did not confirm Wang’s identity directly, Liu previously disclosed it to the South China Morning Post. Both the university and the Chinese foreign ministry cited privacy reasons for withholding details about Wang’s background. According to the university’s profile, Wang was an assistant research scientist specializing in electrical and computer engineering, with a focus on semiconductors.

The Chinese foreign ministry first commented on the incident on 27 March, describing the researcher as having “taken their own life after facing hostile interrogation by US authorities.” The ministry argued that such treatment “seriously infringes on Chinese citizens’ rights, damages cross-border exchanges, and sustains a chilling effect on academic collaboration.” Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated this demand on Wednesday, stating, “China will continue to take necessary steps to protect the rights and interests of its nationals in the US.”

Wang’s death highlights ongoing tensions between China and the US, particularly regarding the treatment of Chinese academics. In 2024, another Chinese-American researcher, Jane Wu from Northwestern University, died by suicide, prompting her family to file a lawsuit against the institution. They alleged the university had mistreated Wu during a prolonged federal probe into her connections with China.

In recent years, the US has intensified its scrutiny of Chinese students, citing national security threats. During Donald Trump’s presidency, an executive order in 2020 restricted visas for researchers with suspected military ties. Last year, the Trump administration announced plans to “aggressively revoke” visas for students linked to the Communist Party or studying in strategic fields. However, months later, the US reversed its stance, issuing 600,000 visas as trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing progressed.