The Chinese Embassy in the United States has called on the US to carry out a thorough investigation into the death of a Chinese scholar, who allegedly took his own life a day after being questioned by US law enforcement.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy said on Wednesday that the Chinese side is deeply saddened by the incident and has raised the matter multiple times with relevant US authorities and the university involved. The embassy has also been in contact with the scholarâs family, offering assistance with follow-up arrangements.
The spokesperson criticized what they described as the USâ expansion of the concept of ânational security,â accusing it of politicization and the unwarranted questioning and harassment of Chinese students and researchers. Such actions, they said, have violated the rights of Chinese nationals and disrupted normal academic and people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States.
The Chinese side solemnly urges the US to conduct a thorough investigation into this case, provide a responsible explanation to the victim’s family and to Chinese side, cease discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese students and scholars in the US, and stop fabricating unjust or wrongful cases, the spokesperson added.
Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the identity of the scholar. However, earlier reports from the Chinese Consulate General in Chicago indicated that the incident occurred within its consular jurisdiction.
According to US media reports, including coverage of University of Michigan, the case involves the death of Danhao Wang, an assistant research scientist in the College of Engineering. The universityâs Division of Public Safety and Security is investigating the March 20 incident.
Officials said that on March 19, police responded to a report at the George G. Brown Building, where the researcher was found after falling from an upper level. He was later pronounced dead. Authorities noted that the case is being treated as a possible act of self-harm and that there is no ongoing threat to campus safety.
University officials described Wang as a talented researcher whose work in semiconductor materials had significant scientific impact. His contributions were widely recognized, with colleagues emphasizing the loss to both the academic community and future technological advancements.
The Chinese government reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and interests of its citizens abroad and advised Chinese students in the US to remain vigilant about personal safety and respond appropriately in interactions with law enforcement.
“In the event of similar situations, they should contact Chinese embassies or consulates in the US at the earliest opportunity. Chinese side will continue to firmly uphold the principle of people-centered diplomacy and make every effort to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars in the US,” the spokesperson said.
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed deep sorrow over the incident and confirmed that China had lodged protests with the US regarding the case.
