The US court fined China $24 billion for concealing COVID-19

The court in Missouri, USA, found the Chinese government guilty of concealing information about the coronavirus pandemic. According to the court's decision, China is required to pay a fine of $24 billion. This was reported by The New York Times.

Charges and Court Decision

The lawsuit was filed by the Missouri Attorney General in April 2020. According to state officials, the Chinese government concealed the original information about the pandemic and misled the world about the risks of the coronavirus spread.

Judge Steven N. Limbaugh explained his decision as follows:
- China downplayed the pandemic threat and hid the true scale from the world.
- China hoarded personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, etc.) and stopped supplying other countries.
- As a result, the United States was unable to prepare for the pandemic in time.
- It became impossible to purchase necessary equipment for medical personnel.

Fine and China's Response

- The court ruled that China must pay a fine of $24 billion.
- Missouri officials promised to collect the fine by seizing Chinese assets.
- The Chinese side stated that it considers the court's decision unacceptable and views it as a political maneuver.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic start?

In December 2019, the Chinese government informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of unknown pneumonia in Wuhan.

In March 2020, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Consequences of the Coronavirus
- More than 7 million people died due to the pandemic.
- The global economy suffered massive losses.
- The CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) of the USA released a report in January 2025 regarding the virus's laboratory origin.

The US court's decision could lead to serious changes in international relations. If China does not pay the fine, Missouri officials may begin to seize Chinese assets. This could further strain relations between China and the USA.

Additionally, this decision may encourage other countries to file similar lawsuits against China.