China breaks its silence in Missouri’s $24.5 billion COVID-19 fight
What do you think?
Chinese government entities have hired a prominent American law firm to fight Missouri’s $24.5 billion judgment over allegations China hoarded protective medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government of Hubei province and the Chinese Academy of Sciences asked a federal judge Monday to set aside the default judgment and dismiss the lawsuit.
They are represented by White & Case, a global firm employing more than 2,500 lawyers.
The defendants argue the Missouri court lacks jurisdiction and that the judgment improperly interferes with foreign affairs.
They also contend Missouri presented no evidence that China violated contracts to ship protective equipment to the United States.
“China is several years too late,” Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said. “We will continue to hold China accountable for the suffering it inflicted on Missourians during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Missouri filed the lawsuit in 2020.
A federal appeals court later allowed one allegation — that China monopolized protective equipment and drove up prices — to proceed.
After the defendants failed to appear, a judge awarded Missouri $8 billion in damages in March 2025.
That amount was tripled under federal law.
