China has warned the United States to halt Missouri’s lawsuit over COVID-19 damages, calling it a “farce” and threatening action if the case goes forward. Missouri’s state government is suing China, claiming that the country’s handling of the pandemic, including hoarding essential medical supplies, caused widespread harm, including skyrocketing costs for medical equipment and the further spread of the virus. The case has become a significant point of tension in the already complicated relationship between the two nations.
The Missouri lawsuit, filed in 2020, argues that China’s initial actions during the pandemic, especially its decision to restrict the export of masks and personal protective equipment (PPE), led to shortages and put American lives at risk. The state has even stated that if the court rules in its favor, it will seek to seize Chinese assets within Missouri to recover the $25 billion in damages it is seeking. This lawsuit is unique because it is the only one of its kind in the U.S. that directly holds the Chinese government accountable for actions taken during the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis.
China, on the other hand, has strongly rejected the lawsuit, calling it “frivolous litigation.” A Chinese embassy spokesperson said that U.S. courts have no right to judge the actions of a foreign government in the face of a global health emergency, and that such proceedings defy the basic principles of international law. The Chinese government also warned of retaliatory measures if the lawsuit proceeds, though it has not provided specifics on what actions it may take.
Missouri’s attorney general, Andrew Bailey, has expressed strong resolve to hold China accountable, saying that the lawsuit is about ensuring justice for the people who suffered due to the country’s initial handling of the virus. Bailey emphasized that his state would not back down in its efforts to seek damages, stating, “We are committed to holding China accountable for its actions.”
The case centers around whether China’s restrictions on the export of vital medical supplies, like masks, made the pandemic worse and directly contributed to higher infection rates in the United States. Missouri’s legal team argues that because China was a major global supplier of PPE before the pandemic, its decision to hoard these supplies caused unnecessary delays and shortages, putting healthcare workers and the general public at greater risk. Doctors in Missouri have spoken out, recalling how they were forced to reuse masks or make do with inadequate protection during the critical early days of the pandemic.
Supporters of the lawsuit argue that China’s lack of transparency during the early stages of the outbreak also contributed to the global spread of COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently called on China to release more data and be more open about its actions in those early weeks. However, the Chinese government maintains that it has been fully transparent in its dealings with international organizations and that it responded swiftly to the pandemic once the severity became clear.
The lawsuit comes at a time of heightened tension between the U.S. and China, with both countries accusing each other of various missteps and wrongdoings. Analysts believe that the case could escalate the conflict between the two superpowers even further. Some experts have warned that if the U.S. court rules in favor of Missouri, it could set a dangerous precedent for future lawsuits against foreign governments and lead to retaliatory actions that could impact international relations.
While China has refused to take part in the lawsuit proceedings, U.S. courts have continued to move forward with the case. The judge overseeing the lawsuit has indicated that he is leaning toward ruling in Missouri’s favor. However, it remains to be seen how the Chinese government will respond if the court sides with the state and demands that China pay the damages sought by Missouri.
What Happens Next?
As of now, the case is still ongoing, and a ruling is expected in the coming weeks. The lawsuit has already sparked heated debate in the U.S. and abroad. If the court rules against China, it could further strain relations between the two countries and lead to unpredictable consequences. If Missouri wins the case, it will mark a significant development in international law, as it could pave the way for more legal challenges against foreign governments in the future.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
