China Nominates Song Li for WHO Director-General Post

China has nominated a senior health official, Song Li, as its candidate to become the next Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, announced the nomination during a press briefing on Thursday, saying the move demonstrated Beijing’s commitment to multilateralism and would support the WHO’s efforts to improve global health.

Song Li currently heads the Department of Women and Child Health at China’s National Health Commission. According to the WHO, she has 21 years of experience in public health and has contributed to the development of policies and laws covering women and children’s health, including prenatal diagnosis and assisted reproductive technology.

She is seeking to replace the current WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose second term expires in August 2027. Tedros is not eligible to seek a third term under the organisation’s two-term limit.

China’s nomination came after the September 24 deadline for candidates and could increase Beijing’s influence within the global health organisation, particularly following the United States’ withdrawal from the WHO earlier this year.

Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised the WHO and accused it of being overly influenced by China, particularly over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. China has previously rejected the allegations and accused Trump of attempting to avoid responsibility.

Song is expected to compete against six other candidates—three men and three women—from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Spain, Indonesia and Botswana.

If elected, Song would become only the second Chinese national to head the WHO, following Margaret Chan, who served as Director-General from 2007 to 2017.

The WHO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, coordinates international efforts to promote global health and expand access to healthcare.

Source: AFP

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