In a historic decision, Missouri has won a $24 billion judgment against China for hoarding vital protective supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A federal judge awarded Missouri a massive $24 billion result, marking a significant victory in the state's legal battle against Chinese entities, as Fox News reports.

The lawsuit, initiated by former Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt five years ago, targeted the Chinese Communist Party, the People’s Republic of China, and various governmental agencies and institutions within China. These included the National Health Commission, the Ministry of Emergency Management, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, among others.

The state accused these entities of intentionally hoarding supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE), which were desperately needed globally during the pandemic's onset. The court's ruling supports Missouri's allegations of severe misconduct by these Chinese entities.

Background and Legal Developments in Case

The initial lawsuit by Missouri also included claims that Chinese authorities had concealed crucial information about the coronavirus's origins.

This aspect of the case was eventually narrowed down following a court of appeals decision in January, which focused solely on the supply hoarding allegations.

This appeals court decision overturned a lower court ruling that had previously dismissed the case. The revival of the lawsuit allowed Missouri to push forward with its claims, ultimately leading to Friday's monumental judgment.

According to current Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, this judgment represents a "landmark victory" not just for Missouri but for the entire United States, as it holds China accountable for its actions during the pandemic.

Judgment Details and Implications for China

Judge Stephen Limbaugh ruled that the evidence provided by Missouri satisfactorily established the liability of each defendant under the specific counts of the lawsuit. He adjudicated a precise award of $24,488,825,457.00, emphasizing the substantial economic impact of the defendants' actions on Missouri and the world.

The judgment also includes provisions for post-judgment interest, implying that the total amount may increase if the award is not promptly paid. This decision has potential international ramifications, particularly concerning the assets owned by Chinese entities in Missouri.

Bailey was vocal about the state's intention to enforce the judgment aggressively.

"China refused to show up to court, but that doesn’t mean they get away with causing untold suffering and economic devastation," Bailey stated. He further clarified that Missouri would begin to seize Chinese-owned assets, including farmland, to collect the awarded billions.

Global Reactions and Future Legal Steps

Following the ruling, Bailey took to social media to emphasize the judgment's significance, signaling direct messages to Chinese authorities about Missouri's serious intent to collect the awarded sum.

"Hey China, You owe Missouri $24 BILLION. I just won a judgment in court. Pay up -- or we start seizing assets and farmland," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

This aggressive stance indicates the start of what may become a complex process involving international law and diplomacy, possibly influencing future U.S.-China relationships and similar legal actions by other states or countries.

The judgment is not just a local victory but also sets a precedent in international accountability regarding public health management and emergency response practices. It potentially opens avenues for similar claims by other jurisdictions globally that were adversely impacted by pandemic-related actions of foreign nations.

The Bottom Line

This ruling by a Missouri federal court against Chinese entities is unprecedented in its scale and its direct approach towards seeking reparations for pandemic-related grievances. The success of Missouri in this case may inspire other jurisdictions to consider similar legal avenues to address grievances arising from international crises.

As the state prepares to potentially seize assets, the eyes of the world will be on Missouri and China, watching how this complex international legal battle unfolds and what it means for global diplomacy and the rule of law across international borders.