In a groundbreaking legal decision, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey won a $24 billion judgment against the Chinese Communist Party over its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak.
In a historic ruling, Missouri claimed a $24 billion judgment for the mishandling of COVID-19 and related health crises by China.
The lawsuit, initiated in 2020 by then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt, has culminated in the largest-ever judgment in Missouri's history, amplified by its accusation of China’s detrimental actions during the pandemic. These actions included impeding the global supply chain of crucial medical supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE).
A Federal court confirmed Missouri provided ample evidence supporting its claims, leading to this unprecedented judicial outcome. The judgment amount is six times greater than any prior judgment recorded in the state.
Chinese representatives did not attend the court sessions, a point emphasized during the proceedings, underscoring a contentious absence that fueled the legal outcome.
Attorney General Andrew Bailey expressed the monumental nature of this victory, emphasizing the broad implications for accountability. “This is a landmark victory for Missouri and the United States in the fight to hold China accountable for unleashing COVID-19 on the world,” he stated.
Bailey highlighted the specific strategy for enforcing the judgment. This involves seizing Chinese-owned assets within Missouri, including agricultural lands, which are seen as viable resources for enforcing the court's decision.
“China refused to show up to court, but that doesn’t mean they get away with causing untold suffering and economic devastation. We intend to collect every penny by seizing Chinese-owned assets, including Missouri farmland,” Bailey detailed the plan moving forward.
execution of this judgment might see cooperation with federal authorities, hinted at involvement from the Trump Administration. This indicates a move towards utilizing broader national resources to aid in the collection of the awarded sum.
The enforcement tactics could set a precedent for how international legal judgments are approached in the U.S., particularly regarding foreign-owned assets within national borders.
As developments unfold, the implications of this judgment could potentially reach beyond the financial aspects, impacting diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China, especially in terms of legal accountability and international conduct.
This case reflects a significant moment in U.S. legal history, where the scope of state-level legal authority is tested against an international entity. The results could influence future international legal frameworks.
Furthermore, the impact on Missouri’s economic landscape is profound, not only in terms of the financial gain but also regarding the potential boost in public confidence in state authority and governance.
Public response to this judgment varies, with some viewing it as a step towards justice for the devastation caused by the pandemic, while others fear potential retaliation or negative impacts on international relations.
The ongoing coverage of this judgment will follow the attempts to enforce the ruling and the broader ramifications it may entail. As more developments occur, the effectiveness of these enforcement efforts will become clearer.