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Following the tragic death of a Chinese scholar who allegedly committed suicide the day after being questioned by US law enforcement personnel, a spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in the US told the Global Times on Wednesday that the embassy is deeply saddened by this tragedy. The Chinese side has lodged solemn representations with relevant departments of the US government and the relevant university concerned on multiple occasions, and has promptly contacted the family of the individual involved, providing active assistance in handling follow-up matters, the spokesperson said. 

For some time, the US side has overstretched the concept of "national security," engaged in political manipulation, and subjected Chinese students and scholars to unwarranted questioning and harassment. These actions have infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, disrupted normal people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States, and created a severe chilling effect, the spokesperson said. 

The Chinese side solemnly urges the US to conduct a thorough investigation into this case, provide a responsible explanation to the victim's family and to Chinese side, cease discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese students and scholars in the US, and stop fabricating unjust or wrongful cases, the spokesperson added. 

The Chinese side has yet to confirm the identity of the Chinese scholar involved. 

Previously on March 31, a spokesperson for the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Chicago said in a statement published online that the case occurred at a US university within the consulate's consular district. 

Some US media outlet such as Michigan Daily reported on Tuesday that the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security is investigating the March 20 death of a Chinese scholar.

On March 19, at approximately 11:00 pm, officers from the University of Michigan Police Department responded to a report of a subject who fell inside the George G. Brown Building. An Assistant Research Scientist was found after falling from an upper level and was later pronounced deceased, Melissa Overton, Deputy Chief of Police of Division of Public Safety & Security at the University of Michigan, said in an email sent to the Global Times on Wednesday. 

"This incident is being investigated as a possible act of self-harm," Overton said, adding that there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the campus community. As this remains an active investigation, we are not able to provide additional details at this time.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to safeguarding the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens, including those studying abroad. The Chinese side has once again reminded Chinese students in the US to enhance their awareness of personal safety and to respond appropriately to US law enforcement actions, said the spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in the US. 

"In the event of similar situations, they should contact Chinese embassies or consulates in the US at the earliest opportunity. Chinese side will continue to firmly uphold the principle of people-centered diplomacy and make every effort to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars in the US," the spokesperson said. 

On March 27, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking death and has protested to the US in response to a case that a Chinese postdoctoral scholar took own life a day after being subjected to hostile questioning by US law enforcement personnel.