Core Insights - The article highlights the significant progress of Chinese oncology research and its increasing global influence, particularly at the ESMO conference where nearly 20% of major studies were presented by Chinese teams [1][2] - It raises critical questions about the future of Chinese pharmaceutical companies, particularly regarding their ability to move beyond "Fast Follow" strategies and achieve true innovation in drug development [1][6] Group 1: Progress in Oncology Research - Chinese pharmaceutical companies showcased 23 research results at the 2025 ESMO conference, with significant contributions from 10 Hong Kong-listed companies, indicating a growing academic impact [2] - A notable study in liver cancer demonstrated that a combination therapy significantly extended the event-free survival (EFS) of patients, with a median EFS of 42.1 months, nearly doubling the results of surgery alone [2][3] Group 2: Historical Context and Evolution - The evolution of Chinese oncology has been marked by a shift from passive participation in international research to leading roles in major studies, reflecting a significant improvement in the capabilities of Chinese researchers [4] - In the past, Chinese doctors had limited involvement in international clinical trials, often relegated to minor roles, but this has changed dramatically in recent years [4] Group 3: Challenges and Opportunities - Despite the progress, there are concerns about the lack of original innovation in Chinese drug development, with most new drugs being based on existing international technologies rather than original platforms [6][7] - The collaboration between academia and industry in China faces challenges, including a disconnect between basic research and clinical needs, which hampers the potential for groundbreaking innovations [7]