The US state of Missouri has sued China's leadership over the coronavirus, prompting an angry rebuke from Beijing over the “absurd” claim, AFP reported.

Missouri is seeking damages over what it described as deliberate deception and insufficient action to stop the pandemic.

“The Chinese government lied to the world about the danger and contagious nature of Covid-19, silenced whistleblowers and did little to stop the spread of the disease,” Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said.

“They must be held accountable for their actions,” he said.