BEIJING, Aug. 22 -- China's pharmaceutical industry is now the second largest in the world, while accounting for about 30 percent of the global total in terms of innovative drugs currently in the development and research process, a health official said Friday.

The country has approved the marketing of 387 pediatric drugs and 147 drugs for rare diseases since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), said Yang Sheng, deputy head of the National Medical Products Administration, at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office.

Yang highlighted China's comprehensive measures to ensure drug safety, promote the pharmaceutical industry's development, and meet public medication needs during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.