BEIJING - A commerce official said Wednesday that China's probe into British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) was part of the country's efforts to improve business climate and create equal competition opportunities for domestic and overseas investors.

Shen Danyang, the spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), made the remarks at a press conference when asked to comment on the ongoing investigation into multinational pharmaceutical giant GSK (China) Investment Co Ltd.

Shen said China firmly opposes any form of commercial bribery, regardless of whether the company involved is Chinese or foreign,

Any company, be it Chinese- or foreign-funded, should be subject to legal sanctions and assume legal responsibility if it breaks Chinese law, Shen said.

As a well-known multinational company, GSK should also conduct investment activities in China in accordance with relevant Chinese laws, Shen added.

China's Ministry of Public Security announced last week that some senior executives involved in the British drugmaker's China operations were being investigated for suspected bribery and tax-related violations.

Four executives of GSK China were accused of channelling large bribes to Chinese officials and doctors through travel agencies to boost sales illegally and raise the price of its medicines in the country.

Earlier reports

GlaxoSmithKline issues apology statement

Pharma giant in bribery scandal

Four GSK China execs held for investigation

British drug giant to cooperate with China in bribery inquiry

Top GSK executives probed in bribery

China investigates GSK executives for bribery, tax violations

GSK corruption claims trigger wider concerns