Beijing has called for a full investigation into the death of a Chinese researcher at the University of Michigan last month, amid claims he was subjected to hostile questioning by US law enforcement shortly before his death.
Danhao Wang, 32, an assistant research scientist in electrical and computer engineering, died on 20 March after falling from a campus building. US authorities are treating the death as a possible act of self-harm.
Chinese state media reported that Wang had been questioned by US law enforcement about his research prior to the incident, describing the interaction as hostile. The Chinese foreign ministry expressed deep sadness and accused the US of overstretching national security to harass Chinese scholars.
Spokesperson Lin Jian said such actions poison cultural exchanges and create a chilling effect. He urged the US to provide a responsible explanation and stop discriminatory law enforcement against Chinese nationals.
The FBI declined to confirm whether Wang was under investigation, citing policy. The University of Michigan's engineering dean described Wang as a promising young mind, while activist group CODEPINK said his death was not an isolated incident, noting increased persecution of Chinese scholars in the US.
Wang's death comes amid heightened scrutiny of Chinese influence at US universities, with several institutions facing investigations over alleged ties to China. The University of Michigan ended a partnership with a Shanghai university last year under pressure from Republican lawmakers.
