Missouri Moves to Collect $24.5 Billion COVID Judgment as Chinese Defendants Enter Case

Missouri is escalating its pursuit of a $24.5 billion judgment against Chinese government entities concerning pandemic-era PPE. Two defendants, the People’s Government of Hubei Province and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have now appeared in federal court to contest the award. This intervention follows Missouri’s initiation of formal steps to serve the judgment and seek court authorization to seize assets.

• Missouri is seeking to collect a $24.5 billion judgment against Chinese government entities.
• The judgment relates to pandemic-era personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Two defendants, the People’s Government of Hubei Province and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have appeared in federal court.
• These defendants filed a motion to set aside the default judgment and dismiss the lawsuit.
• Missouri began the process of formally serving the judgment, a prerequisite for asset seizure.
• Attorneys for the defendants entered appearances on August 31.