China has called on U.S. authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the death of a Chinese scientist who was found inside a university building in Michigan.

The researcher, an assistant scientist at the University of Michigan, was discovered after falling from a significant height inside the George G. Brown Building, according to a university statement. Emergency services responded to the scene at approximately 11 p.m. ET on March 19.

University officials said the case is being examined as a “possible act of self-harm,” but noted that details remain limited as the investigation continues.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, Liu Pengyu, said Chinese officials were “deeply distressed” by the incident and had raised formal concerns with U.S. authorities and the university.

“The Chinese side has repeatedly lodged solemn representations with relevant U.S. government agencies and universities,” Liu said, adding that embassy officials had contacted the victim’s family to offer support.

He also advised Chinese nationals in the United States to remain vigilant and to handle interactions with law enforcement carefully.

While neither U.S. nor Chinese authorities have officially identified the deceased, the South China Morning Post reported the individual was Wang Danhao, a semiconductor researcher, citing confirmation from a Chinese embassy source.

According to the university’s website, Wang worked in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, focusing on interdisciplinary research in the field.

China’s Foreign Ministry has suggested the possibility that the researcher may have faced pressure from U.S. law enforcement. Spokesperson Lin Jian called on the United States to halt what he described as “discriminatory law enforcement actions” targeting Chinese students and scholars.

“China urges the U.S. side to conduct a thorough investigation into this case and provide a responsible explanation to the victim’s family,” Lin said.