UK-based pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca has announced a USD 15 billion investment in China by 2030, marking its largest-ever commitment to the country. The investment is aimed at expanding the company’s research, development and manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing China’s role as a key pillar in AstraZeneca’s global growth strategy.

The announcement was made during a recent visit to Beijing by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, underscoring the strengthening business and healthcare collaboration between the UK and China. AstraZeneca said the investment will focus on advanced therapeutic areas such as cell therapies and radioconjugates, aligned with the company’s long-term ambition to scale next-generation medicines.

As part of the plan, AstraZeneca will expand and upgrade its existing manufacturing sites in cities including Wuxi, Taizhou, Qingdao and Beijing, while also exploring new production facilities. These sites currently supply medicines not only to China but also to more than 70 international markets, making the country a critical manufacturing hub in the company’s global network.

AstraZeneca has been operating in China for over 30 years and has introduced more than 40 innovative medicines in the market. The company also runs major research and development centres in Beijing and Shanghai. With the new investment, AstraZeneca expects to significantly expand its workforce in China, potentially increasing employee strength to over 20,000 in the coming years.

Chief Executive Officer Pascal Soriot described the investment as a landmark move that reflects confidence in China’s scientific talent, innovation ecosystem and manufacturing capabilities. He said the expansion will enable AstraZeneca to accelerate the delivery of advanced therapies to patients both in China and globally.

The announcement comes at a time when global pharmaceutical companies are reassessing regional investment strategies amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, supply chain diversification efforts and growing competition in innovation-led drug development.