A Missouri judge has ruled against the Chinese Communist Party — holding it liable for damages related to the hoarding of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling grants the state a $24 billion judgment — marking a significant victory in Missouri’s long-running legal lawsuit against China.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey led the lawsuit — which accused China of blocking the production and distribution of PPE — making it harder for states like Missouri to access the supplies they needed. The case — originally filed in 2020 — alleged that China restricted exports, nationalized factories and manipulated supply chains — resulting in inflated costs for critical medical equipment.

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Judge Stephen Limbaugh, Jr., determined that Missouri provided strong evidence demonstrating how China’s actions contributed to PPE shortages. The state reported that it was forced to pay over $122 million more for PPE than it would have under normal market conditions. The court also found that Missouri suffered an $8 billion loss in tax revenue as a result of China’s interference.

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Bailey made it clear that Missouri intends to collect on the ruling. If China refuses to comply — he has vowed to seize Chinese-owned farmland and other assets within the state. China did not appear in court to contest the lawsuit — which made a default judgment likely.

Missouri remains the only state to take legal action against China for its handling of the pandemic. The case could set a precedent for other states seeking to recover financial losses linked to China’s role in the global crisis.

The ruling follows an earlier decision by the Eighth Circuit Court — which had already given Missouri an advantage in the case. The legal battle now shifts to enforcement — as state officials explore ways to compel China to pay.