French Media: China's Comprehensive Rise, Europe's Slow Development – Food Additives: Global Dependence on China | Rapid Breakthroughs in the Pharmaceutical Sector
In the field of food additives, the world relies entirely on China.
Through industrial fermentation technology, China converts corn and soybeans into low-cost chemical compounds. Globally, 65% to 80% of amino acids and 90% of vitamins originate from China.
For example, arachidonic acid in infant formula is supplied by China at a global share of 90%. These high-purity products can only be produced at low cost in large-scale fermentation plants located in China.
Meanwhile, China is making rapid progress in the pharmaceutical sector. China is no longer just a producer of generic drugs. The tetanus antibody drug "Xintite" launched in 2025 no longer depends on plasma. Currently, China has 4,751 drugs under development, accounting for 33.7% of the global total.
In 2025, China launched 76 innovative drugs, representing a 58% year-on-year increase. International pharmaceutical companies are increasingly relying on Chinese innovation, with licensing transaction values rising from €44.4 billion to €117 billion within two years.
Chinese anti-cancer drugs have significantly reduced costs—for instance, the oral drug Xidabenam reduced treatment costs from €3,000 per month to just €10.
Source: rfi, adapted from Le Monde
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864032808833098/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author