The US state of Missouri has filed a lawsuit against the Chinese government over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, alleging severe economic losses for its residents. Attorney General Eric Schmitt claims China did little to stop the spread of the virus and that Missouri has suffered potentially tens of billions of dollars in damages.
China's foreign ministry denounced the move, calling it a 'frivolous lawsuit' with no factual or legal basis. A spokesperson stated that US courts have no jurisdiction over the Chinese government based on the principle of sovereign equality.
Legal experts have questioned the viability of the lawsuit. Sovereign immunity generally protects foreign governments from being sued in US courts. Professor Tom Ginsburg of the University of Chicago noted that there is an exception for torts committed in the US by officials acting in an official capacity, but doubted it applied here.
The suit accuses the Chinese government of lying about the danger of COVID-19, silencing whistleblowers, and hoarding personal protective equipment (PPE). China has strongly denied mishandling the crisis.
Some commentators suggested the lawsuit has political motivations. Stu Loeser, a media strategist, remarked that in American politics, 'AG' can stand for 'Aspiring Governor'. Professor Ginsburg predicted other states might follow suit, but urged leaders to focus on keeping their populations safe.
