GlaxoSmithKline issues apology statement

British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline has issued a statement on its website in response to China's investigation on its bribery scandal.

The statement says the company is "deeply concerned and disappointed by these serious allegations of fraudulent behaviour and ethical misconduct by certain individuals at the company and third-party agencies." It also says "such behaviour would be a clear breach of GSK's systems, governance procedures, values and standards. GSK has zero tolerance for any behaviour of this nature."

The drugmaker is under investigation for offering bribery to Chinese government officials, medical associations, and doctors to boost sales and prices.

GSK emphasizes in the statement that it fully respects China's laws and regulations, and will cooperate fully with the Chinese authorities in the investigation of these new allegations.

The British Foreign Office says it is now contacting GlaxoSmithKline's headquarters in the UK, and seeking more information from the Chinese side over China's probe into the company's conduct.

China's Ministry of Public Security announced last week that several senior executives from GSK China are being investigated for suspected bribery and tax-related violations.