Unusual Circumstances: the Top Chinese Scientific Minds Who Died Suddenly

South China Morning Post ^ | 9 Feb 2025 | Zhang Tongin

[nickcarraway]

Losses include leading lights in AI, drones, defence, semiconductors and aerospace technology

China has lost some of its most prominent scientists and engineers over the past few years in what have officially been deemed deaths due to accidental circumstances or natural causes.

But the sudden departures of the key figures – many of whom worked in fields tied to national security and technological advancement – have also raised questions about the safety and security of the China’s most valuable intellectual assets.

Despite lingering public concerns, no evidence has emerged that suggests any of these cases were related to national security investigations.

[BenLurkin]

Some, perhaps most, alive and hidden away in a secret facility?

[exnavy]

Things that make you go, hmmmmm.

[nickcarraway]

Exactly. Not sure exactly what it is.

[TexasFreeper2009]

USAID knocking them off?

[glorgau]

I heard that if the power goes off in a big enough city, the engineers get offed.

[exnavy]

Time will tell. Thinking it is not good to color outside the lines in China.

[Mr. Jeeves]

It has long been known that to be identified as a leading mind in a totalitarian society is a dangerous thing.

[ConservativeMind]

What about that Chinese COVID scientist lady? She got it, announced it the leak, then may never again have been heard from.

[dp0622]

We dont need to go overseas to see that.

Just be a dem who has seen the light and speaks out.

Or is a fall guy.

But then, they are basically a communist regime so it makes sense.

[packagingguy]

Eagerly awaiting the first joke about Hillary and Arkansas.

[ifinnegan]

Yes.

[VTenigma]

Knowing too much can get you killed.

[SaveFerris]

[Some, perhaps most, alive and hidden away in a secret facility?]

Look for a volcano with a fake lava lake that is motorized and can be pulled back for a rocket launch of the Angry Alligator

That’s why the Boeing Stuckliner couldn’t be used....

Oh wait, wrong country.......

[BenLurkin]

[SaveFerris]

I guess that was 1967(?) I had thought it was later - maybe 1969

[BenLurkin]

Secret facility might also mean the world’s worst gulag. One from which there is no return.

“Everyone thinks you are already dead comrade, so you might as well cooperate.”

[Albion Wilde]

Surely all of them were required to get the jab.

[brooklin]

They used to, I don’t know if they still do.

[frog in a pot]

Knowing too much can get you killed.

Vince Foster would heartily agree if he could. That would be an interesting case to reexamine now.