The Washington Free Beacon reports, China is furious over coronavirus lawsuits brought by American politicians, which seek financial restitution for the destruction Covid-19 has had on U.S. lives and the economy.
The Chinese state-run newspaper The Global Times, reveals that “China won’t just strike back symbolically, but will impose countermeasures that will make them feel pain.”
The threats came after US President Donald Trump billed COVID-19 as “the Plague from China” in a tweet that’s bound to draw ire from Beijing.
China threatened to sanction leading Republican senators, including Tom Cotton (Ark.) and Josh Hawley (Mo.), who have been particularly critical of its response to the coronavirus pandemic, an unprecedented move that comes as Beijing pushes back on international condemnation about its handling of the virus’ spread.
“Republicans who have been groundlessly accusing China and inflaming the ‘holding China accountable’ political farce will face severe consequences, sources said, noting that the aftermath will also impact the upcoming November elections, while business and trade between Missouri and China will be further soured,” the paper reported.
Missouri filed a lawsuit against China last month, accusing it of “lying to the world about the danger and contagious nature of COVID-19.” Mississippi said a day later it was also preparing to sue Beijing for similar reasons.