WASHINGTON — A US federal judge has ruled that the Chinese government is liable for its actions during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, finding China responsible for concealing the virus’ spread and stockpiling critical protective equipment.

US Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. of Missouri on Friday imposed a $24 billion penalty against China, a decision that officials say will be enforced through the seizure of Chinese assets, including land within the state, according to The New York Times.

The lawsuit, initially filed by Missouri’s attorney general’s office in April 2020, accused China of withholding vital information about the virus’ existence and transmission while simultaneously restricting the global supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The case argued that these actions contributed to delays in the US response, exacerbating the impact of the pandemic.

In his ruling, Limbaugh cited evidence that China was aware of COVID-19’s spread much earlier than it had disclosed to the global community.

He also noted that the Chinese government took steps to nationalize American-owned factories within its borders, prioritizing domestic production of protective equipment while restricting exports and driving up prices in markets such as Missouri.

Chinese officials have rejected the ruling, calling it baseless. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for China’s Embassy in Washington, dismissed the lawsuit as lacking legal or factual merit.

“The so-called lawsuit has no basis in fact, law, or international precedence,” Liu said in a statement.

“China does not and will not accept it. If China’s interests are harmed, we will firmly take reciprocal countermeasures according to international law.” — Agencies