China's crusade against pharma giants

China has taken Western pharmaceutical companies to task over alleged corruption in the country.

China's investigation into alleged corruption at pharmaceutical multi-nationals has widened in recent days. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), accused last week of paying over $400m in bribes to doctors and lawyers to boost sales, admitted this week that senior executives "appear to have acted outside our processes and controls, which breaches Chinese law". Meanwhile, three AstraZeneca sales executives have been arrested, although the group was claiming early this week that they had no reason to believe the swoop was related to the bribery allegations.

What the commentators said

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
Explore More
MoneyWeek

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.