(KTTS News) — A federal appeals court has ruled Missouri can move forward with one part of its lawsuit that blames China for COVID-19.

A lower court tossed out the original lawsuit filed by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, which blamed China for the pandemic.

The lower court ruled that federal rules prohibit a sovereign country from being sued in American courts.

The U.S. 8th District Court of Appeals agreed with the lower courts ruling, but said that Missouri has the right to sue China for hoarding masks and other protective gear during COVID-19.

🚨BREAKING: The Eighth Circuit has ruled in favor of Missouri in our lawsuit against communist China for the harm it caused Americans during COVID-19.

We are headed back to court to pursue remedies.

— Attorney General Andrew Bailey (@AGAndrewBailey) January 10, 2024