Missouri judge finds Chinese government liable for $24B in damages for ‘hoarding’ protective equipment during COVID pandemic

Missouri Secures Historic $24 Billion Judgment Against Chinese Communist Party Over COVID-19 PPE Hoarding

In a groundbreaking legal victory, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has secured a $24 billion judgment against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and other Chinese entities. This landmark ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr., holds China accountable for its alleged role in exacerbating the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through the hoarding of personal protective equipment (PPE). The judgment marks a significant step in the ongoing global effort to hold China responsible for its actions during the pandemic.

The Lawsuit and Allegations Against China

The legal battle began in 2020 when Missouri filed a lawsuit against the CCP, the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and several other Chinese entities. The lawsuit alleged that China’s actions during the early stages of the pandemic caused significant harm to the state and its residents. Specifically, the suit accused China of engaging in practices that disrupted the global supply of PPE, including masks, gloves, and other essential protective gear. China was accused of nationalizing factories that produced PPE, hoarding equipment intended for global distribution, and misleading the international community about the severity and transmissibility of the virus.

Judge Limbaugh’s ruling affirmed these allegations, stating that China’s actions violated both state and federal anti-monopoly laws. The court found that China’s "campaign to hoard the global supply of PPE" was carried out in tandem with its efforts to downplay the seriousness of the virus. By doing so, Missouri argued, China caused significant economic and health-related harm to the state and its citizens.

The Economic Impact on Missouri

The financial repercussions of China’s actions were severe for Missouri. According to the lawsuit, the state spent over $122 million more on PPE than it would have under normal circumstances due to the shortages caused by China’s hoarding. Additionally, the state claimed to have lost more than $8 billion in tax revenue as a result of the economic disruption caused by the pandemic. Judge Limbaugh agreed with these assessments, noting that Missouri "suffered significant harm" due to China’s actions. The court’s ruling acknowledged the financial burden placed on the state, including the increased costs of acquiring PPE during a time of heightened demand and supply chain disruptions.

China’s Absence from the Proceedings

Despite the serious allegations against them, Chinese officials chose not to participate in the legal proceedings. Attorney General Bailey criticized this decision, stating that China’s refusal to appear in court did not exempt them from accountability for their actions. "China refused to show up to court, but that doesn’t mean they get away with causing untold suffering and economic devastation," Bailey said in a statement. The attorney general emphasized Missouri’s determination to collect the $24 billion judgment, even if it requires seizing Chinese-owned assets within the state.

Next Steps: Enforcing the Judgment

To enforce the judgment, Missouri plans to target Chinese-owned assets, including farmland and other properties within the state. Attorney General Bailey indicated that his office would work closely with federal authorities, potentially including the Trump administration, to identify and seize these assets. While enforcing the judgment against a foreign government presents significant challenges, Bailey expressed confidence in Missouri’s ability to secure the funds owed to the state. The attorney general framed the ruling as a victory not just for Missouri but for the entire United States, signaling a broader effort to hold China accountable for its role in the pandemic.

A Landmark Victory with Global Implications

The $24 billion judgment is a landmark moment in the ongoing legal and diplomatic efforts to hold China accountable for its actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Attorney General Bailey hailed the ruling as a "landmark victory for Missouri and the United States in the fight to hold China accountable for unleashing COVID-19 on the world." While the judgment is likely to face appeals and challenges, it sets a precedent for other states and countries to pursue similar legal actions against China. For Missouri, the ruling offers a measure of justice and financial relief as the state continues to recover from the economic and health-related challenges posed by the pandemic.