Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) warned that China’s latest regulatory moves could increase risks for U.S. companies and pharmaceutical supply chains, urging policymakers to reduce America’s dependence on Beijing for critical medicines.
Scott Targets China’s Drug Rules
On Tuesday, in a post on X, Scott criticized China’s government over new rules that he said could pressure U.S. companies that follow American laws or attempt to shift manufacturing away from China.
He said, “China’s government passed new rules that harm U.S. companies who comply with U.S law or try to move production out of China.”
In a video shared alongside the post, Scott questioned China’s intentions, saying, “What’s the odds that the government of Communist China has some new decree that’s good for us?”
He said the new measures would restrict U.S. regulators’ ability to access information about medicines produced in China.
“They say the FDA can’t know about drugs that are made in China. Oh, but they want to sell them to us, right?” Scott said.
Senator Calls For US Drug Manufacturing Shift
Florida Republican also accused Beijing of attempting to keep American companies dependent on Chinese manufacturing.
“They’re telling American companies they can’t reduce production from China,” he said.
The senator called for a shift toward domestic production, saying, “We need to bring all of production of drugs back into this country and we need to stop being dependent on Communist China for anything, especially any drugs.”
US Lawmakers Probe China Drug Research Risks
In June, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers had investigated Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) and AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) over concerns that clinical trials in China could pose biotechnology security risks, particularly at Xinjiang facilities and military-affiliated hospitals.
Lawmakers had requested details on data protection and oversight practices, warning that sensitive research could be exposed.
Last year, China had reportedly eased some trade restrictions by exempting certain U.S. imports, including pharmaceutical and aerospace products, from high tariffs.
Chinese officials had sought company feedback on additional goods that could qualify for exemptions.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
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