Americans Should Celebrate China's Biotech Revolution

6 hours ago

China has become a global biotech leader through strategic industrial policies like Made in China 2025 and the Thousand Talents Plan, attracting overseas talent.
China's clinical trial system allows rapid initiation of early-stage trials (within six months), providing a significant advantage over the U.S., where regulatory delays can extend to 18 months.
Ethical concerns about China's clinical trials, such as involuntary participation, are highlighted by critics, but evidence is often lacking, and the U.S. system also faces inefficiencies.
Some U.S. policymakers advocate restricting Chinese investment in American biotech and limiting collaboration, fearing risks, but biotech progress is positive-sum and benefits global health.
Knowledge in biotech is a public good; even if China restricts access to a drug, the underlying scientific information can enable other countries to replicate advances.
The article argues that framing biotech as a zero-sum race with China is counterproductive; cooperation and competition should focus on advancing medical science for global benefit.
U.S. policies driven by fear of China may harm innovation and access to treatments, whereas reforms that streamline regulations could enhance domestic biotech capabilities.

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