A Chinese postdoctoral researcher tragically committed suicide the day after being summoned and interrogated by U.S. law enforcement officers. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds.

【Global Times-Global Network Reported by Reporter Suo Yanqi】Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference on March 27. At the meeting, a reporter asked: It is understood that recently, after a Chinese postdoctoral fellow was questioned and interrogated by law enforcement personnel from the U.S., he unfortunately died by suicide the next day. What comments does the Foreign Ministry have on this?

Lin Jian said: We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. We have lodged a solemn démarche with the U.S. The Chinese embassies and consulates in the U.S. have contacted the victim’s family members immediately, and are providing proactive assistance for the family’s follow-up arrangements.

Lin Jian said that for some time now, the U.S. has broadened the concept of national security for political manipulation, conducting arbitrary questioning and harassment of Chinese students and scholars, infringing upon the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens, undermining the atmosphere of normal people-to-people exchanges between China and the U.S., and creating a serious chilling effect. China urges the U.S. to thoroughly investigate this case, provide a responsible explanation to the victim’s family members and to China, stop discriminatory law enforcement against Chinese scholars and students in the U.S., and stop fabricating various false and unjust cases. We will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens.

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