Pharma giant AstraZeneca says its China chief under investigation

ISTANBUL

British-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca confirmed on Wednesday that its China President Leon Wang is under investigation by Chinese authorities, marking the latest probe into the pharmaceutical giant's operations in one of its largest markets.

"Leon Wang, Executive Vice President International and AstraZeneca China President, is cooperating with an ongoing investigation by Chinese authorities," it said in a written statement, adding that operations continue under General Manager Michael Lai's leadership.

The investigation follows the recent detention of Eva Yin, a former AstraZeneca executive, and comes amid wider scrutiny of the company's Chinese operations.

According to a Bloomberg report, Chinese police detained five current and former AstraZeneca employees in September for questioning about potential illegal activities.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian declined to comment directly on Wang's case Thursday, but emphasized that China welcomes foreign enterprises and remains committed to protecting their legitimate interests under law.

AstraZeneca has pledged full cooperation with the investigation, though no specific details about its nature have been disclosed.