Mo. vs. China case held in Cape Girardeau federal court Monday

MISSOURI (KFVS) - Missouri is suing China for its role in the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General Andrew Bailey says.

The bench trial began at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 27 at the federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau. It ended just before 3 p.m.

The state sued China nearly five years ago and one count remains in that lawsuit. It accuses China of hoarding masks and other PPE.

Missouri’s Solicitor General Josh Divine and his deputy, Sam Freedlund, presented the case before Judge Stephen Limbaugh.

The lawsuit argues China’s actions in 2020 led to an immediate shortage of masks, causing residents to pay more and making it difficult for them to stay safe.

The judge told the court he was inclined to find in favor of the state, but did not enter a ruling on Monday.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s Office is seeking more than $24 billion in damages.

We asked Divine how likely it would be for Missouri to see any of that money if the state wins the case.

“The foreign sovereign immunities act, that’s been a big issue in this case,” he said. “Well, that act expressly says that we can go and we can seize China’s property. All know that they have a lot of property here in Missouri and elsewhere in the country. We look forward to seizing $24 billion in assets and putting it back into the pockets of the people in Missouri.”

Divine said they anticipate a ruling in the case in the next month or so.