In a monumental decision that could reshape international accountability for the COVID-19 pandemic, Missouri has scored a $24 billion judgment against China. And they’re going to do their best to recover it.
At a glance:
• Missouri federal court awards $24 billion judgment against China for alleged PPE hoarding during COVID-19
• Attorney General Andrew Bailey declares “landmark victory” and promises to seize Chinese-owned assets
• Case originated from 2020 lawsuit filed by former AG Eric Schmitt accusing China of misleading the world
• Judge ruled China’s actions violated state and federal anti-monopoly laws
• China has dismissed the ruling as “absurd” and warned of potential countermeasures
Historic Judgment Against China
A federal court in Missouri has delivered a crushing $24.5 billion judgment against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for hoarding personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling, the largest in Missouri history, comes after China failed to appear in court to defend itself against allegations of deliberately withholding crucial medical supplies.
“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,” Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said about the ruling.
Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr., who presided over the case, determined that China’s actions directly violated both state and federal anti-monopoly laws. The judgment focuses specifically on the CCP’s alleged campaign to hoard global PPE supplies while simultaneously misleading the world about the virus.
Missouri's attorney general is threatening to seize Chinese assets across the U.S. to collect $24.5 billion awarded in a lawsuit against China stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.https://t.co/M30UoNPPZE
— KSHB 41 News (@KSHB41) March 11, 2025
Missouri’s Plan to Collect
Bailey has been clear about collecting hte money, stating, “We intend to collect every penny by seizing Chinese-owned assets, including Missouri farmland.”
This aggressive position reflects the state’s determination to recover damages for the estimated $8 billion in lost tax revenue and more than $122 million in additional PPE costs during the pandemic – and the methods by which they’ll do it ensure that they don’t simply have to wait for China to pay up.
The Attorney General even took to social media with a direct message to China.
“Hey China, You owe Missouri $24 BILLION. I just won a judgment in court. Pay up — or we start seizing assets and farmland,” the AG said.
Missouri officials have identified approximately 44,000 acres of Chinese-owned farmland in the state that could potentially be targeted for seizure.
Legal experts have expressed skepticism about Missouri’s ability to collect, however. Paul Nolette, Chair of political science at Marquette University, responded to Bailey’s collection threats with a simple “Good luck with that.”
Good! https://t.co/eLZArF2RM1
— Diana Kline (@morgansinkc) March 11, 2025
So far, the Chinese government has categorically rejected the court’s authority. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the lawsuit as “absurd” and warned of potential reciprocal countermeasures, stating: “We ask the United States to return to rationality and correct its mistakes.”
