China's domestically developed innovative drugs now account for the majority of new medicine approvals in the country, signaling a major step forward in the nation's pharmaceutical industry, a government official said on Monday. Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing, Tao Qing, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, reported that 38 innovative drugs were approved for market sale in the first half of this year. Of these, 31 were developed by Chinese companies, representing more than 80% of the total. Tao described this as a "systemic leap" in the quality of China's drug innovation, reflecting the country's long-term efforts to boost its pharmaceutical research and development capabilities. In recent years, China has introduced policies to encourage innovation, including streamlined approval processes and increased funding for drug research. The shift toward homegrown medicines is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign drugs and strengthen the domestic pharmaceutical industry. Chinese regulators have also been working to align local standards with international ones, making it easier for Chinese drugs to enter overseas markets. The approval numbers for the first half of this year suggest that these efforts are bearing fruit. While the official did not provide specific details on the types of drugs approved, the range likely includes treatments for cancer, infectious diseases, and chronic conditions. China now has one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets in the world, and the surge in domestic innovation could help bring more affordable medicines to patients. However, challenges remain, such as ensuring quality control and competing with established global drugmakers. The government will continue to support innovation through policies and investment, Tao said, to maintain the momentum in drug development.