A Missouri court has ruled that the Chinese Communist Party must pay $24 billion in damages after being found liable for withholding personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling marks a significant legal victory for Missouri, which first filed its lawsuit in 2020.
Attorney General Andrew Bailey led the case against China, arguing that its interference in the PPE supply chain caused financial harm to the state. The lawsuit alleged that China restricted exports, took control of factories and manipulated global markets, leading to skyrocketing costs for essential medical gear.
Hey China,
You owe Missouri $24 BILLION.
I just won a judgment in court.
Pay up — or we start seizing assets and farmland.
— Attorney General Andrew Bailey (@AGAndrewBailey) March 7, 2025
Judge Stephen Limbaugh, Jr., ruled that Missouri provided substantial evidence showing how China’s actions directly impacted the state’s finances. According to court findings, Missouri was forced to pay $122 million more than it otherwise would have for PPE, while tax revenue losses tied to the pandemic reached over $8 billion.
$24 Billion DOLLARS, not Yaun. https://t.co/nDbj4sMRHe
— Attorney General Andrew Bailey (@AGAndrewBailey) March 8, 2025
Bailey made it clear that Missouri will take action to collect the awarded damages. If China refuses to comply, the state may seize Chinese-owned farmland and other assets within Missouri to satisfy the judgment. China did not respond to the lawsuit or participate in the legal proceedings, making the ruling a default judgment.
Missouri remains the only state to take legal action against China over its handling of the pandemic. With this victory in court, other states could follow suit and seek similar legal claims against the Chinese government.
This ruling follows a 2024 decision by the Eighth Circuit Court, which had previously ruled in Missouri’s favor. The focus now turns to enforcement, as state officials look at ways to ensure China pays the damages ordered by the court.
