[Perspectives] The rise of immuno-oncology in China: a challenge to western dominance?

China has had one of the most rapid global cancer transitions,1 closely resembling that of other high Human Development Index countries. China has a population of more than 1·4 billion people, and is home to the largest global population of older people (aged ≥60 years), equating to approximately 254 million people as of 2019, and is predicted to increase further to 402 million people (to comprise approximately 28% of the national population) by 2040.2 Cancer care and research have been recognised as one of five key areas of focus in the Chinese Government’s Healthy China Action Plan 2019–2030.