Beijing: British drugmaker AstraZeneca has announced plans to invest $15 billion in China through 2030 to "pioneer the next-generation of innovative medicines." This announcement coincided with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing and marks the largest deal achieved during his trip to China. According to Anadolu Agency, AstraZeneca stated that the investment would harness China's scientific excellence, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and collaborations within the China-UK healthcare ecosystem to deliver advanced treatments to patients in China and globally. Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, emphasized that this represents the company's largest investment in China, where it has been the leading foreign pharmaceutical entity for nearly three decades, with about 12% of its revenue generated from the country. Under Soriot's leadership since 2012, AstraZeneca has already invested billions in China, including a $2.5 billion investment in a Beijing research and development hub in March of l ast year-its second such hub following the establishment of a site in Shanghai in 2024. These centers have played a crucial role in conducting international clinical studies and collaborating with over 500 hospitals in China. The pharmaceutical firm highlighted China's recognition as a leader in new treatment methods such as cell therapy and radioconjugates. The new investment will enhance AstraZeneca's expertise in these areas, and the company will become the first international biopharmaceutical business with end-to-end cell treatment capabilities in China, building on its 2024 acquisition of Gracell Biotechnologies. AstraZeneca also noted that the investment would support the development of therapies for autoimmune diseases, cancer, and blood disorders, as well as expand production facilities in Wuxi, Taizhou, Qingdao, and Beijing. These facilities supply pharmaceuticals to 70 markets worldwide, in addition to China. Furthermore, the investment is set to increase the number of AstraZeneca employees in Ch ina to over 20,000. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented on the significance of this investment, stating, "Unlocking opportunities for British businesses across the globe and delivering for working people back home is always the driving force behind my international engagements. AstraZeneca's expansion and leadership in China will help the British manufacturer continue to grow - supporting thousands of UK jobs."