(The Epoch Times)—Two Chinese nationals accused of smuggling restricted biological materials into the United States will remain in custody after waiving their right to a hearing in separate court appearances in Detroit on June 13.
Han Chengxuan, a doctoral candidate from China’s Huazhong University of Science and Technology in central China’s Wuhan city, and Jian Yunqing, a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan, allegedly smuggled the materials for use at the University of Michigan.
On Friday, the two defendants said they would not challenge prosecutors’ request to keep them in detention while their cases progress.
“This is a constantly evolving situation involving a large number of factors,” Han’s attorney, Sara Garber, told a judge. Garber didn’t elaborate and later declined to comment.
Jian’s attorneys declined to comment Friday.
Han was arrested upon landing at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on a flight from China on June 8. She arrived on an exchange visitor visa and planned to spend a year at the University of Michigan for a research project on roundworms.
At the airport, Han allegedly made false statements to customs officials about packages she had sent to individuals at a University of Michigan laboratory. She eventually admitted that the packages contained biological roundworm-related materials.
According to the criminal complaint, the packages did not contain the correct documentation and were not imported under the Department of Agriculture or Customs and Border Protection regulations.
- Hand-curated links from conservative and Christian sites — NO legacy media garbage links. Patriots get their news every day at JDRucker.com
In response to Han’s case, FBI Director Kash Patel called out the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in a post on the social media platform X on June 9.
“This case is part of a broader effort from the FBI and our federal partners to heavily crack down on similar pathogeon [sic] smuggling operations, as the CCP works relentlessly to undermine America’s research institutions,” Patel wrote.
Several Republican lawmakers took to X to echo Patel’s concerns in response to Han’s case.
“Never forget: the CCP is ACTIVELY trying to undermine the U.S. and DESTROY our country,” wrote Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Sen. Jon Ernst (R-Iowa) called Han’s alleged smuggled items “a potential bioweapon.”
“Food security is national security, and I am working to ensure America is safe from the threat posed by Communist China right here in our own backyard,” Ernst wrote, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said Han’s case is an example of the CCP’s “asymmetric warfare.”
“The Chinese colonels who wrote Unrestricted Warfare told us exactly how the CCP would fight: without guns, without warning, and without rules,” Crenshaw wrote. “Smuggling pathogens into U.S. labs isn’t random. It’s strategic.”
Jian, who was arrested on June 2, is charged with conspiring with her boyfriend, Liu Zunyong, to bring a fungus known as Fusarium graminearum into the United States. The fungus can devastate wheat, barley, maize, and rice and cause health problems in humans and livestock.
Liu was denied admission into the United States at the Detroit airport in July 2024 and sent back to China after authorities found “four clear plastic baggies with small clumps of reddish plant material” inside his backpack, according to a criminal complaint.
The criminal complaint also said that FBI agents found an electronic document in Jian’s cellphone “describing her membership and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.”
There have been previous reports stating that Chinese doctoral students were required to sign a loyalty pledge to the CCP as a condition for receiving government-funded scholarships to study abroad.
The University of Michigan has not been accused of misconduct. It said it has not received any money from Beijing related to the work of the three defendants.
In a statement, the university said it strongly condemns any actions that “seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university’s critical public mission.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.