CAN YOU ?

JC

Speaking of China, late last week, Missouri’s Heartlander News ran a fascinating story headlined, “Missouri asks judge to ding China for $25 billion for hoarding COVID-19 protective gear after unleashing virus.” Missouri’s excellent Attorney General might be on the verge of obtaining the first judgment in the world against China for its role in the pandemic.

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Last Monday, a Missouri court held a bench trial on the state’s lawsuit against China. It was a short trial. China never showed up, thereby defaulting. My guess is China weighed the pros and cons and elected not to participate in discovery.

According to the story, at the trial, the judge questioned the AG over whether the state had jurisdiction to collect on a judgment. Missouri’s Attorney General Andrew Bailey offered evidence that China owns sufficient property within the state to satisfy the judgment.

It is a very good sign when a judge asks about collections. It strongly hints that he’s already thinking past his decision to impose liability.

If Missouri’s case succeeds, it will prove a template that every other state can use. And it gives President Trump more negotiating leverage. Trump could help China by resolving its liability for all 50 states in a single deal.

President Trump and President Xi have a lot to talk about.

As I’ve told you many times before, accountability is slow. It comes in fits and starts. But it does eventually come, one way or another.

HA