The China Cases

One of China’s leading researchers in supersonic/hypersonic flow control, plasma-based flow control, and computational fluid dynamics. Died reportedly following an illness. Previously held research positions at Rutgers University and Wright State University in Ohio — the same state as Wright-Patterson AFB where US case Matthew Sullivan worked. Returned to China to join Northwestern Polytechnical University, which the US sanctioned for ties to military research including fighter jets and hypersonic vehicles. NPU developed the Feitian 1 and Feitian 2 hypersonic aircraft.

One of the most important scientists in China’s hypersonic weapons program. Specialist in super-strong materials for spacecraft and hypersonic vehicles. Founded BIT’s Institute of Advanced Structure Technology in 2015. Died suddenly while on a business trip to South Africa. CCP kept his death secret for weeks — no standard public announcement was issued despite his CAS membership. Social media posts about his death were rapidly deleted. Died the same day (Feb 27) that US Gen. McCasland disappeared from his home in Albuquerque.

Internationally renowned medicinal chemist and fellow of multiple international research societies. Broke through critical core technologies for visualizing target proteins in major diseases. Died of a sudden illness in Guangzhou at the height of his research career. China’s latest loss of a leading scientist at a productive age.

One of China’s foremost experts on drone warfare and swarming technology. Led 20+ national, military, and government projects. In 2021 his team developed high-voltage direct-drive technology allowing drones to carry 1,100+ lb payloads. Founded Yunzhihang Technology in 2017, which later faced severe financial difficulties. Fell from a building in the early hours of Jan 3. Official obituary gave no cause of death. Some reports suggest suicide due to financial strain; others speculate foul play. Third NUDT scientist to die unexpectedly.

Leading space physicist who specialized in weather monitoring and early warning systems. Held international posts at the World Meteorological Organization and International Civil Aviation Organization. Won a top award from the Chinese military for science and tech progress. Second Chinese scientist with close military ties to die in a Beijing car crash — following Feng Yanghe 18 months earlier.

Prominent data scientist and founder of a big data protection and security research organization in Guizhou province. Died in an unspecified accident. Least documented case in the cluster — minimal public details available.

Celebrated chemist specializing in advanced materials and polymers at one of China’s most prestigious research institutions. CAS member. No cause of death publicly stated. His materials research has potential dual-use applications in military aerospace.

Born in Pingliang, Gansu. Entered NUDT in 2003, studied at Harvard’s Department of Statistics and High Performance Computing Lab (2011–2013), earned PhD from NUDT in 2014. After a 2014 military exercise, became determined to build AI command systems. Designed “War Skull” — China’s first AI system for military command and control. War Skull drafts operation plans, conducts risk assessments, and provides backup plans from incomplete tactical data. Used by 10+ PLA theater commands and defense industry departments by 2021. Modeled Taiwan invasion scenarios. Killed in a Beijing car crash at 2:35 AM after leaving a “major task.” Buried at Babaoshan (reserved for CCP elite). Obituary: “sacrificed while performing official duties” — language normally reserved for soldiers killed in action.

Led China’s high-end weapon chip research and development team at NUDT. Died in a car accident. Earliest case in the cluster — predates all US cases by 4 years. First of three NUDT scientists to die unexpectedly.