Noting that China has intensified its focus on R&D intensity, and boasts abundant science and engineering university graduates, Liu Qiao, dean of Peking University's Guanghua School of Management, said the country is quickly catching up with developed economies in terms of patent application intensity.

There is still room for improvement in the global competitiveness of Chinese IP, Liu added, emphasizing that more efforts should be made to increase investment in fundamental research, attract and develop top talents, and promote the industrial application of technological innovation.

According to the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the country has established partnerships with more than 80 countries and regions in the area of IP cooperation, while foreign applicants filed 94,000 trademark applications in China in the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.4 percent.

Huge opportunities exist for multinational companies to invest in China and benefit from its expanding market, said Shirley Zhao, president of Astellas China, with staunch IPR protection included as part of the deal.

"We are investing in China, and we will continue to invest in China," Zhao said.

"Better IPR protection and business environment boost our confidence, as well as the confidence of other multinational companies."