US court fines China $24 billion for COVID-19 cover-up

A US court in Missouri has found the Chinese government guilty of concealing information about the coronavirus pandemic. According to the court's decision, China must 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 real information about the pandemic and misled the world about the danger of the spread of coronavirus.

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

Fine and China's attitude

- The court ruled to pay China a fine of $ 24 billion.
- Missouri officials promised to collect the fine by confiscating China's assets.
- China, however, said that it considered the court's decision unacceptable and considered it a political move.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic begin?

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

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

Consequences of the coronavirus
- The pandemic has killed more than 7 million people.
- The global economy has suffered huge losses.
- The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) published a report in January 2025 that the virus originated in a laboratory.

The US court's decision could lead to significant changes in international relations. If China does not pay the fine, Missouri authorities could begin seizing Chinese assets. This could further strain relations between China and the US.

Also, this decision may trigger similar lawsuits against China by other countries. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”