New York: An American court has mandated that China pay $24 billion for allegedly concealing data related to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, a decision that has sparked international attention. According to the “New York Times”, the ruling was issued in a case brought forth by the Attorney General of Missouri, who accused the Chinese government of not responding to the demands in court proceedings.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a federal judge in Missouri issued the ruling on Friday, which held the Chinese government accountable for allegedly covering up the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic and monopolizing protective equipment. The court’s decision included a mandate of more than $24 billion, which Missouri officials have vowed to enforce by seizing Chinese assets.

The lawsuit was filed by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office in April 2020, during the early stages of the pandemic. The legal action accused China of withholding crucial information about the virus’s existence and spread and disrupting supplies of personal protective equipment globally. Chinese officials have stated they do not accept the judge’s ruling, indicating potential for further diplomatic and legal contention.