As investigations continue on some of GlaxoSmithKline's senior executives in its China division for allegations of bribery, China's Commerce Ministry remains confident that the incident will not affect the country's foreign direct investments. In a press conference, Ministry Spokesman Cao Hongying thinks that investor confidence in China's investment climate will remain the same. "On the contrary, a crackdown on illegal behavior will be an encouragement to law-abiding companies," Mr. Cao said. While foreign direct investment grew close to 5% in the first half of this year, foreign firms operating in the country insist that they are not given the same treatment as Chinese companies.

GSK officials have said that they are cooperating with Chinese officials with the ongoing investigations. On Monday, the company said that their Chinese division execs may have transgressed Chinese law. GSK has also reiterated that bribery is against company rules and regulations and that they "have zero tolerance for any behavior of this nature."