States are members of a religious movement, Falun Gong, which is outlawed in China, and they brought suit against the Chinese government. Members of this movement are subject to arrest by Chinese government officials in the Falun Gong Control Office without any further charge, and the lawsuit maintained that they were subject to severe torture resulting in permanent physical damage. The suit named the former president of China and officials of the Control Office as defendants, but the defendants never responded to the lawsuit. 

CASE QUESTIONS

1. May the federal court issue a default judgment against the defendants?

2. What role does the doctrine of sovereign immunity play in this case?