China’s Imaging Equipment Market Revolution: Cooling Tech Heats Up

Just a decade ago, global giants like GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, and Philips reigned supreme in China’s X-ray equipment market. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. Domestic players such as United Imaging and Neusoft have carved out a substantial share, reshaping the competitive dynamics in diagnostic imaging and thermal management systems. What sparked this seismic shift? Let’s dive into the story behind China’s medical imaging revolution.

Background: China's Healthcare Evolution

In 2016, the Chinese Government launched the Healthy 2030 comprehensive national policy and strategic plan to improve the health and well-being of the Chinese population by 2030. The policy shifted focus from a reactive medical treatment to proactive disease prevention and health promotion. One of the policy’s strategic pillars is to promote innovation and reform in the health sector. This has spurred a continual period of organic market growth with new hospital construction, upgrading of the existing healthcare infrastructure and motivating Chinese medical equipment companies to innovate. This has greatly impacted the medical imaging market and equipment innovation in China, putting an emphasis on early diagnosis, prevention, and comprehensive disease management.

Growth Trends and Driving Forces in APAC and China

The APAC medical imaging market was reported in 2024 to be somewhere between USD 16 billion and USD 23.6 billion, maintaining a compound annual growth rate between 5.5% and 6.4% through 2032. Driven largely by China, India and Japan, the wide range of reported market size is due to differences in market definitions, including equipment, services and software etc. The region’s growing elderly population is leading to higher utilization of medical imaging for early disease detection and management. The increasing incidence of cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and other chronic conditions is boosting demand for advanced diagnostic tools. In addition, the integration of AI, analytics and teleradiology is enhancing diagnostic capabilities and accessibility.
These factors, combined with the Chinese government’s goal to reduce reliance on imported medical equipment, have led to Chinese medical OEMs investing heavily in research and development to produce high-performance imaging systems designed for their needs. Chinese medical imaging companies are employing a multi-faceted approach to compete with established global brands like GE, Siemens, Philips, Canon, Hitachi and Samsung. Investment in smart manufacturing, Industrie 4.0, and partnerships with international technology leaders have enabled Chinese OEMs to rapidly improve product quality and performance.

Access to advanced cooling technology is enabling Chinese manufacturers to develop more sophisticated and durable imaging systems, further enhancing their competitiveness in both domestic and export markets. X-ray tubes used in high-power, high-frequency, or continuous operation settings like CT Scanners, general X-ray imaging (stationary or mobile), Fluoroscopy, Mammography and Bone Densitometry, High-capacity Radiography and Angiography all require effective cooling systems typically using oil, air or advanced liquid cooling to ensure reliable operation and prevent heat-related damage.

Enter the Role of Advanced Cooling Systems

A critical component in the advancement of medical imaging technology, along with medical diagnostic and analytical instruments, is the development of advanced liquid cooling systems. Thermal management is mission-critical for the performance and reliability of high-end medical imaging equipment. These systems are essential for maintaining the performance and reliability of the high-powered devices mentioned above.

Tark Thermal Solutions (formerly Laird Thermal Systems), the only broad line manufacturer of thermal management products, with engineering and manufacturing capabilities across APAC, America, and EMEA, can collaborate with Chinese medical OEMs to provide customized cooling solutions that meet both international standards and regional requirements. Tark Thermal Solutions can also integrate their pumps into total cooling systems, offering both OEM and aftermarket solutions for not only medical imaging applications but high-volume applications involving analytical and clinical diagnostic instruments.

Tark Thermal Solutions has emerged as a pivotal partner for both local and global OEMs in the APAC medical imaging market. With a comprehensive portfolio of thermoelectric coolers and modules, thermoelectric assemblies, temperature controllers, specialty pumps, and liquid cooling systems, Tark Thermal Solutions’ global footprint of engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain capabilities in APAC, America and EMEA allow for rapid prototyping, customization and support across the entire product lifecycle.

Positioned for the Future

As environmental regulations tighten, the adoption of eco-friendly cooling solutions will become a key differentiator for both local and global players. Tark liquid cooling systems are adapting to global climate targets by transitioning to lower-GWP refrigerants and eco-friendly cooling technologies. 

As Chinese OEMs become increasingly competitive in global markets, they must be supported by robust local supply chains and partnerships with advanced component suppliers. The integration of AI, analytics, and advanced cooling systems will further enhance the performance, reliability, and accessibility of medical imaging technologies across the region.

The APAC medical imaging market, driven by China’s rapid industrialization and healthcare investment, is characterized by the emergence of local OEMs, the strategic importance of advanced cooling systems, and a relentless focus on cost, customization, and quality. Partnerships with global leaders like Tark Thermal Solutions are enabling Chinese manufacturers to deliver world-class imaging solutions, positioning the region as both a growth engine and an innovation hub for the global medical imaging industry.