Group 1 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has terminated 70 foreign contract researchers as part of a national security review, citing concerns over food supply chain safety [1][3] - The terminated researchers primarily included Chinese postdoctoral researchers who had already undergone background checks prior to their employment [3] - The USDA's actions are part of a broader agricultural security plan announced by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, which prohibits citizens from certain countries from purchasing U.S. farmland and halts existing research collaborations with these nations [3] Group 2 - Concerns have been raised about the impact of these terminations on agricultural research, with warnings that it could lead to significant delays in projects, including vaccine development for deadly toxins in undercooked beef [3] - The USDA is currently unable to fill these vacant positions due to a federal hiring freeze extended until October 15, which may further hinder research capabilities [3] - The Chinese government has criticized the U.S. for its discriminatory practices regarding land ownership and investment, arguing that such actions violate market principles and international trade rules [4]
外媒:美农业部又以“国家安全”为由解雇70名外国合同制研究员,“多数是中国博士后”
Huan Qiu Wang·2025-07-20 02:09