In a first of their kind lawsuits, two U.S. states announced they are suing a foreign nation to recover damages. Missouri and Mississippi are suing to seek legal redress over economic damages suffered by their states because of Chinese actions in covering up the the Asian giant’s part in the COVID-19 crisis, which delayed the global response to the coronavirus.

On Tuesday, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt alleged in the lawsuit that, “Chinese authorities deceived the public, suppressed crucial information, arrested whistleblowers, denied human-to-human transmission in the face of mounting evidence, destroyed critical medical research, permitted millions of people to be exposed to the virus, and even hoarded personal protective equipment—thus causing a global pandemic that was unnecessary and preventable.”

The lawsuit contends that, “In mid-January, on or around January 16, despite knowing the risks of doing so, Wuhan leaders hosted a potluck dinner for 40,000 residents, increasing the potential spread of the virus. Defendants allowed these massive public gatherings and massive exodus from Wuhan despite knowing the risks of COVID-19, including the risk of human-to-human transmission.”

The suit also alleges, “Before the pandemic, Missouri had one of its lowest unemployment rates of the past decade, but on information and belief, Missouri’s unemployment rate is now the highest it has been since the Great Depression. Responding to the pandemic has required shutting down businesses, disrupting ordinary production and trade, and dislocating workers.”

Mississippi followed the legal lead of Missouri. In a statement on Wednesday, state Attorney General Lynn Fitch said that “too many Mississippians have suffered as a result of China’s cover-up. They (the Chinese) must not be allowed to act with impunity. Mississippians deserve justice and I will seek that in court.”

The suit was met with quick condemnation from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Spokesman Geng Shuang said, “This so-called lawsuit is very absurd and has no factual and legal basis at all.” He also said, while somehow keeping a straight face, that China was “open, transparent and responsible” in its response to the outbreak.”

This piece was written by PoliZette Staff on April 23, 2020. It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.

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