China's biotechnology sector has achieved parity with the United States in innovation capabilities, according to Novartis CEO Vasant Narasimhan, who made the declaration during the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos. Speaking to CGTN, the Swiss pharmaceutical leader emphasized that China's rapid advancements now position it as a global equal in developing cutting-edge therapies and medical technologies.
"The scale of China's development this decade has created unprecedented opportunities," Narasimhan stated, noting that Beijing's sustained investment in research infrastructure and talent cultivation is yielding world-class results. This assessment comes as Chinese biotech firms increasingly collaborate with international partners while competing in gene editing, AI-driven drug discovery, and vaccine development.
Analysts suggest this milestone could reshape global healthcare markets, with the Chinese mainland emerging as both a innovation hub and strategic partner for multinational corporations. The Novartis CEO highlighted ongoing cross-border clinical trials and knowledge-sharing initiatives as evidence of deepening industry integration.
For investors and policymakers, this development signals new dynamics in pharmaceutical supply chains and intellectual property landscapes. Academic institutions worldwide are reportedly expanding partnerships with Chinese research centers, particularly in oncology and rare disease treatment development.
