China has filed a $50 billion lawsuit against Missouri, accusing the state of posing an "economic and reputational threat" after Missouri secured a separate $24 billion federal judgment earlier this year. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway dismissed the suit as a delaying tactic and pledged to continue efforts to enforce the prior judgment. The complaint names Governor Mike Kehoe, Senator Eric Schmitt and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and requests damages and public apologies; Missouri is pursuing certifications to seize Chinese-owned assets tied to the defendants.
China Sues Missouri for $50 Billion Over Potential Asset Seizures; State Vows to Enforce $24B Judgment
The government of China has filed a $50 billion lawsuit against the State of Missouri, alleging the state’s actions — including efforts to potentially seize assets — constitute an "economic and reputational threat," Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said.
China’s filing comes after a federal court earlier this year issued a landmark $24 billion judgment in favor of Missouri. The new complaint names Missouri officials and entities and asks for damages and public apologies across U.S. media and internet platforms.
Who Is Named
The complaint lists the State of Missouri (represented by Governor Mike Kehoe), U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt, and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. The filing also references former Attorney General Andrew Bailey, noting his current role as described in the complaint.
Official Responses
"I find it extremely telling that the Chinese blame our great state for ‘belittling the social evaluation’ of The Wuhan Institute of Virology," Hanaway said in a news release.
Hanaway called the $50 billion suit a stalling tactic and reiterated Missouri’s commitment to enforcing the earlier $24 billion judgment. Senator Eric Schmitt, one of the named defendants, described the action as "lawfare," saying he would "wear it like a badge of honor."
Background
Five years ago, Missouri sued the Chinese government alleging it caused and exacerbated the COVID-19 pandemic and interfered with the production, purchase, import and export of medical supplies and equipment. That litigation ultimately led to the $24 billion federal judgment Missouri secured earlier this year.
What China Is Seeking
In addition to monetary damages, China is reportedly seeking public apologies from Missouri officials on several U.S. media and internet platforms. The complaint characterizes Missouri’s prior actions and statements as damaging to China’s reputation.
Next Steps
Hanaway said Missouri will pursue the required certifications and legal steps that could allow the state to seize Chinese-owned assets tied to the defendants, including real property, financial interests and other overseas holdings. The litigation is expected to proceed through federal courts and could involve protracted international legal and diplomatic questions.
Context
The report also notes separate political concern: a Senate Republican has expressed unease about reports that former President Trump approved Nvidia chip exports to China — an issue that underscores ongoing tensions over technology and trade between the U.S. and China.
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