liǎng两míng名zhōng guó中国gōng mín公民yīn因dài带zhēn jūn真菌rù入měi美bèi kòng被控
The U.S. has charged two Chinese citizens with bringing a fungus called Fusarium graminearum into the country.
The U.S. says this fungus causes diseases in wheat, barley, corn, and rice, causing farmers to lose a lot of money every year.
34-year-old Liu Zunyong came to the U.S. on a tourist visa and was found carrying this fungus at the airport.
He said he was going to do research in a laboratory at the University of Michigan.
His girlfriend, Jian Yunqing, works in this laboratory.
U.S. officials said the two had previously conducted research on this fungus together.
Liu Zunyong was denied entry, and Jian Yunqing was arrested.
The judge said Jian Yunqing might try to escape, so she was detained first.
The U.S. says the two are involved in conspiracy, smuggling, and lying.
The Chinese government says it always asks Chinese citizens to follow local laws.
The University of Michigan said they will cooperate with the U.S. investigation.