China Sues Sen. Schmitt And Others For Defamation Over COVID-19 Lawsuit

China has filed a countersuit against Senator Eric Schmitt, former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, and the state of Missouri, seeking $50.5 billion in damages for defamation. This action follows a Missouri court's $24 billion judgment against China for its alleged role in the COVID-19 pandemic, including concealing the virus's release from the Wuhan lab and withholding information. China claims the lawsuit filed in the U.S. damaged its reputation and economic interests, citing negative impacts on Wuhan's 'soft power' and the productivity of its scientific institutions.

The Chinese lawsuit demands public apologies in both American and Chinese media outlets. Legal experts, including Jonathan Turley, view the claim as meritless, highlighting the extensive evidence supporting the allegations against China regarding the pandemic's origins and its initial response. The suit also echoes a previously dismissed case brought by a Chinese American group over Trump’s use of the term “Kung Flu.”

While Missouri faces challenges in collecting on its initial judgment, the lawsuit is seen as an attempt by China to leverage its legal system to counterbalance the Missouri verdict and manipulate public perception. The outcome in the Wuhan court is widely anticipated to favor China, reinforcing concerns about its ability to manipulate legal processes.

(Source：Zerohedge)