A court in Wuhan, China, has begun hearing a defamation suit against Missouri and three attorneys general, extending a pandemic-era legal fight that has already produced a $24.49 billion U.S. judgment.
Wuhan’s municipal government, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Wuhan Institute of Virology allege that Missouri’s U.S. litigation harmed their reputations. They accuse the state, former Missouri attorneys general Eric Schmitt and Andrew Bailey, and current Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway of spreading false claims and making discriminatory remarks. The Wuhan Intermediate People’s Court said in a notice that it had accepted the case.
The plaintiffs seek public apologies, restoration of their reputations and damages. Missouri’s attorney general’s office said in December 2025 that the Chinese claim totaled 356.4 billion yuan. Hanaway called the suit a “stalling tactic” and said Missouri would pursue its U.S. judgment.
Missouri filed its lawsuit against Chinese government bodies and research institutions April 21, 2020, seeking compensation for pandemic-related losses. An appeals court dismissed its claims except for an allegation that Chinese defendants hoarded personal protective equipment. A federal court entered the $24.49 billion default judgment March 7, 2025.
The People’s Government of Hubei Province, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Emergency Management have moved to vacate that judgment. The U.S. court has set Dec. 3 for their reply briefs.
