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US judge commands China to pay USD24bn in Covid-linked case
(MENAFN) A U.S. federal judge has ruled that China must pay $24 billion in damages to Missouri over claims that Beijing misled the world about COVID-19 and stockpiled protective equipment during the early months of the pandemic.
Missouri originally filed the lawsuit in April 2020, accusing China of concealing key information about the virus, which the state argued delayed global response efforts. The suit also alleged that China intentionally restricted exports of personal protective equipment (PPE), leading to shortages and price surges. Lawyers for Missouri pointed out that COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in the state in 2020 and 2021, blaming China’s actions for worsening the crisis.
Initially dismissed in 2022 under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which limits U.S. courts’ authority over foreign governments, the case was later revived on the narrower claim of PPE hoarding.
On Friday, Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh ruled that Missouri had presented “satisfactory” evidence proving China engaged in monopolistic practices to stockpile protective gear.
Political Reactions and China's Response
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey hailed the ruling as a “landmark victory” and vowed to recover the damages, suggesting the state might seize Chinese-owned assets in Missouri, including farmland.
China has strongly condemned the ruling, calling the lawsuit politically motivated and without legal merit. Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu rejected the decision, stating, “China does not and will not accept it.” He also warned that Beijing would take “reciprocal countermeasures” if the ruling harmed China’s interests. Previously, China dismissed the case as a "farce," arguing that U.S. courts have no jurisdiction over the actions of a sovereign nation.
Missouri originally filed the lawsuit in April 2020, accusing China of concealing key information about the virus, which the state argued delayed global response efforts. The suit also alleged that China intentionally restricted exports of personal protective equipment (PPE), leading to shortages and price surges. Lawyers for Missouri pointed out that COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in the state in 2020 and 2021, blaming China’s actions for worsening the crisis.
Initially dismissed in 2022 under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which limits U.S. courts’ authority over foreign governments, the case was later revived on the narrower claim of PPE hoarding.
On Friday, Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh ruled that Missouri had presented “satisfactory” evidence proving China engaged in monopolistic practices to stockpile protective gear.
Political Reactions and China's Response
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey hailed the ruling as a “landmark victory” and vowed to recover the damages, suggesting the state might seize Chinese-owned assets in Missouri, including farmland.
China has strongly condemned the ruling, calling the lawsuit politically motivated and without legal merit. Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu rejected the decision, stating, “China does not and will not accept it.” He also warned that Beijing would take “reciprocal countermeasures” if the ruling harmed China’s interests. Previously, China dismissed the case as a "farce," arguing that U.S. courts have no jurisdiction over the actions of a sovereign nation.
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