Finance
AstraZeneca sets out $15 billion China investment during Starmer visit
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 29, 2026
1 min readLast updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary
AstraZeneca plans to invest $15 billion in China by 2030, focusing on manufacturing and R&D, announced during UK PM Starmer's visit to Beijing.
AstraZeneca sets out $15 billion China investment during Starmer visit
AstraZeneca's Strategic Investment in China
BEIJING/LONDON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - UK drugmaker AstraZeneca said on Thursday it would invest $15 billion in China through 2030 to expand medicines manufacturing and research and development, an announcement made during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing.
Details of the Investment
The announcement marks the biggest deal so far during the trip, as Britain seeks to strengthen ties with Beijing at a time of strained relations with Washington.
Implications for UK-China Relations
(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill in Beijing and Maggie Fick in LondonAdditional reporting by Andrew Silver in ShanghaiEditing by Muvija M)
Key Takeaways
- •AstraZeneca plans a $15 billion investment in China by 2030.
- •The investment focuses on manufacturing and R&D expansion.
- •Announcement coincides with UK PM Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing.
- •This is the largest deal during the UK-China diplomatic trip.
- •The move aims to strengthen UK-China relations amidst global tensions.
Frequently Asked Questions about AstraZeneca sets out $15 billion China investment during Starmer visit
1What is investment?
Investment refers to the allocation of resources, usually money, in order to generate income or profit. It can involve purchasing assets, stocks, bonds, or real estate with the expectation of future returns.
2What is research and development?
Research and development (R&D) is a systematic approach to innovation and improvement in products or services. It involves investing time and resources to create new products or enhance existing ones.
3What is international capital?
International capital refers to financial assets that are transferred across national borders for investment purposes. It can include investments in foreign stocks, bonds, or direct investments in businesses.