US judge holds China liable for COVID-19 response, orders $24 billion penalty

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

A U.S. federal judge has ruled that China is legally responsible for its actions during the initial phase of the COVID-19 outbreak, accusing the Chinese government of withholding crucial information about the virus and stockpiling essential protective supplies.

Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr., presiding in Missouri, issued a $24 billion penalty against China on Friday. According to The New York Times, authorities plan to enforce the ruling by seizing Chinese assets, including land holdings within the state.

The lawsuit, originally filed by Missouri’s attorney general in April 2020, alleged that China deliberately concealed key details regarding the virus’s spread while simultaneously restricting global exports of personal protective equipment (PPE). The case argued that these actions hampered the U.S. response, worsening the pandemic’s effects.

In his decision, Judge Limbaugh pointed to evidence suggesting that Chinese officials were aware of COVID-19’s transmissibility earlier than they had disclosed to the international community. He also cited reports that the Chinese government nationalized American-owned factories within its borders, prioritizing domestic production of protective gear while limiting exports—causing price surges in places like Missouri.

Chinese officials swiftly rejected the ruling, dismissing it as politically motivated and lacking legal standing. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China’s Embassy in Washington, condemned the decision, asserting that it had no factual or legal foundation.

"This so-called lawsuit is groundless in both fact and law, with no precedent in international jurisprudence," Liu stated.

"China categorically rejects this ruling and will not comply. Should our interests be compromised, we will respond with appropriate countermeasures in accordance with international law," he added.