A federal judge in Missouri has ruled that the Chinese government is responsible for covering up the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and hoarding protective equipment. The judge entered a judgment of over $24 billion, which Missouri officials plan to enforce by seizing Chinese assets. The lawsuit was filed by the Missouri attorney general in 2020, accusing China of withholding information and cutting off the supply of P.P.E. Chinese officials have stated that they do not accept the judge’s decision.
Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. wrote in his ruling that China misled the world about the pandemic and engaged in monopolistic actions to hoard P.P.E. This impacted the early response to the virus in the United States, making it difficult to obtain enough equipment for medical providers. The judgment was imposed against China, its Communist Party, local governments, and a health agency and laboratory.
Missouri’s attorney general, Andrew Bailey, stated that the ruling holds China accountable for its actions and that they intend to collect every penny by seizing Chinese-owned assets, including Missouri farmland. Despite China refusing to appear in court, Bailey believes they should not escape the consequences of their actions. The ruling highlights the ongoing tensions between China and the U.S. regarding the pandemic’s origins and response.
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