Missouri attorney general takes on China in landmark COVID-19 lawsuit

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey finished his trial against China.

“Today, we hauled China into court to hold them accountable for unleashing COVID-19 on the world,” Bailey's recent press release states. “Missouri is the only state in the nation to file suit to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for causing and exacerbating COVID-19.

"Today was a great day," he added. "The judge was engaged in our arguments and asked detailed questions," he continued. "We feel confident that we will collect on the $25 billion we’re demanding in damages. And if China refuses to pay up, we will seize Chinese assets instead.”

The Court stated Bailey presented “an abundance of uncontroverted evidence” that China harmed Missourians by unleashing COVID-19 on the world.

The judge expressly shared he is inclined to rule in Missouri’s favor, Bailey's report indicates.

Missouri sued China in 2020 for causing and exacerbating the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically for thwarting the production, purchasing, and import and export of medical equipment, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), used in COVID-19 efforts, according to the statement.

China produced about half of the world's masks and embargoed them from export at the time, according to reports.

A Chinese official said the issue is a scientific one and should be investigated, reported, and decided by scientists, but to date, Chinese officials have not appeared to testify, reports state.

Bailey demanded a settlement of $25Bn, the report states.

Because China has refused to appear in court, a default judgment in Missouri’s favor is likely, Bailey's press release states.

The 8th Judicial District Court at Cape Girardeau is expected to rule in coming weeks, according to Bailey's statement.

The suit that preceded the latest hearing may be read at https://media.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/24/01/222495P.pdf