China has nominated a candidate for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization, potentially increasing Beijing’s presence in the leadership race following the United States’ withdrawal from the organisation.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, announced on Thursday that Beijing had nominated Song Li, a specialist in maternal and child health, for the position.
Mao said the nomination reflected China’s support for multilateralism and would contribute to efforts to improve global health.
Song is currently head of the Department of Women and Child Health at China’s National Health Commission. According to the WHO, she has 21 years of experience in the health sector and has been involved in developing policies and legislation covering areas including prenatal diagnosis and assisted reproductive technology.
She is among candidates seeking to succeed the current WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose second term ends in August 2027. Tedros is ineligible for another term under the organisation’s two-term limit.
Song will face candidates nominated by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Spain, Indonesia and Botswana.
China’s nomination came after the September 24 deadline for candidates to enter the race.
The contest is taking place against the backdrop of the United States’ withdrawal from the WHO after President Donald Trump returned to office in January. Trump had previously accused the organisation of being overly influenced by China, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, allegations Beijing rejected.
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 is a specialised United Nations agency responsible for coordinating international efforts to improve global health and expand access to healthcare.
