China's evolving global leadership now stems from technological breakthroughs and sustained economic openness, Novartis CEO Vasant Narasimhan told CGTN in a recent interview. As Asia's largest economy enters 2026, its dual focus on innovation and international collaboration continues reshaping global markets.
Narasimhan highlighted how the Chinese mainland's advancements in biopharmaceutical research and AI integration are creating new paradigms in healthcare solutions. "What began as manufacturing prowess has transformed into genuine technological leadership," he observed, noting China's growing role in setting global industry standards.
The CEO emphasized that China's commitment to opening-up policies remains crucial for multinational corporations. This year's anticipated reforms in intellectual property protection and cross-border data flows could further strengthen international partnerships, particularly in life sciences and green energy sectors.
For investors eyeing Asian markets, Narasimhan suggested watching China's emerging innovation clusters beyond traditional tech hubs. Cities like Hefei and Chengdu are now driving breakthroughs in quantum computing and renewable energy storage technologies.
