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Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri is facing a $50 billion lawsuit from China, filed by the People’s Government of Wuhan Municipality, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The lawsuit accuses Schmitt of damaging China's reputation through what they call "malicious vexatious litigation" during his time as Missouri's attorney general. Schmitt had previously sued China for allegedly hoarding personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a $24 billion judgment against China.
Schmitt, who spoke on The Ingraham Angle, stated he "won't be apologizing" and described the lawsuit as "totally ridiculous." He claims the lawsuit is a response to exposing China's "lies and deceit" during the pandemic. The lawsuit accuses Schmitt and others of spreading disinformation and stigmatizing China and its research facilities.
"This novel lawsuit is factually baseless, legally meritless, and any fake judgment a Chinese court issues in this lawsuit we will easily beat back and keep from being enforced against the people of Missouri or me," Schmitt said in a statement.
The legal battle stems from Schmitt's initial lawsuit against China, which accused the nation of withholding information about COVID-19 and failing to contain the outbreak. A U.S. District Judge awarded Missouri a $24 billion judgment after China did not defend itself in the case. Missouri is now attempting to seize Chinese assets to recover this amount, though they will not target assets owned by Chinese citizens or businesses.
The Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., criticized the judgment, calling it a "malicious frivolous lawsuit" and stating that China will not pay. They warned of potential retaliation to protect their rights and interests.
