An AI-powered orthopedic surgical robot is seen in the Healthy Life Chain area of the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)

　　BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- From showcasing their latest products to forging local partnerships, global pharmaceutical companies have emphasized local research and development (R&D) and partnerships at the third China International Supply Chain Expo as they seek to strengthen their presence in one of their largest markets.

　　The five-day expo highlights China's importance to multinational firms as both a major market and a hub for global innovation, advanced manufacturing and resilient supply chains.

　　“China is going to be the world's largest healthcare market and a crucial source of innovation,“ said Alex Gu, president of Medtronic Greater China, adding that China is playing an increasingly important role in the global healthcare industrial chain.

　　In 2024, an electric surgical stapler developed by the U.S. company transitioned from research and development to mass production in China and is now used at over 500 hospitals nationwide. It has also been exported to other markets.

　　Deep supply chain collaboration with local partners is vital and Medtronic now has nearly 7,000 suppliers in China.

　　During the expo, the company launched a new partnership to build an AI-powered diagnostic and treatment system for aortic disease and structural heart disease. This is part of a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry to use AI to drive R&D and improve disease diagnosis and treatment.