Report: Chinese researcher dies after 'hostile' interview from feds

A Chinese researcher at the University of Michigan took his own life after being subjected to 'hostile questioning' by federal agents, it is claimed. Danhao Wang, an assistant research scientist in the school's College of Engineering, died on March 20 after falling to his death on campus. Police said they are investigating his death as a 'possible act of self-harm', with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs claiming he took his own life after 'hostile questioning'. A statement, which did not name Wang, said that the postdoctoral scholar died by suicide 'after being subjected to hostile questioning by US law enforcement'.

It added: '[This] calls into question once again the impact and legitimacy of unwarranted US interrogation and harassment targeting Chinese researchers and students.' The statement also called on America to conduct a 'full investigation' and to provide Chinese authorities and Wang's family with a 'responsible explanation'. Police said that an individual was found inside the atrium in the UM George G Brown Building in Ann Arbor on March 19 and was later pronounced dead. Karen Thole, College of Engineering Dean, identified the researcher as Wang in an email to the entire college, seen by MLive. In it, she said: 'Dr Wang was a promising and brilliant young mind, whose research into wide bandgap III-nitride semiconductor materials and devices published in Nature stands as a landmark, uncovering for the first time the switching and charge compensation mechanisms of emerging ferroelectric nitrides.'

'His loss is felt deeply not only by those who knew him here at the University, but also [by] everyone who understands his potential to have contributed to breakthroughs in science that would have positively impacted people around the world. This is an active police investigation and we have no further information to share regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. In the age of AI and misinformation in unfortunate situations like these, incorrect information can spread quickly, and we must let the investigators complete their work and refrain from speculation until the facts are known and made available.' After his death, a university workers' union advised all of its members not to speak to federal authorities. According to a research profile for Wang, he previously worked for the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, Anhui province. 

In a post on X, the Consulate General of China in Chicago added: 'The incident occurred at a US university within our consular jurisdiction, and we are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking death. 'China solemnly calls on the US to carry out a full investigation, give the family of the victim and the Chinese side a responsible explanation, stop any discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese students and scholars in the US, and stop imposing wrongful convictions.' His death came just days after the University of Michigan's interim president Domenico Grasso appeared before a House Committee on Education and Workforce.

He appeared to address concerns that Chinese espionage was being carried out within American universities. Grasso (pictured) told lawmakers that international students were crucial to the school and referred to the continued need for partnerships between the university and foreign nations. In a statement, he added: 'We stand committed to protecting the interests and security of the United States. This commitment is illustrated by our decision to end a relationship with a university in China that is seen as a potential threat to America’s interests. We made this decision after discussions with this Committee and the House Select Committee on the CCP.' If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 [self-murder] & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.