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China has nominated maternal and child health expert Song Li to lead the World Health Organization (WHO), seeking to strengthen its role in the United Nations health agency following the United States' withdrawal earlier this year.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced the nomination on Thursday, Oct. 8, saying it reflected Beijing's commitment to international cooperation.
Mao said the decision "demonstrates China's firm support for multilateralism" and would help the WHO take on a greater role in improving global health.
Song currently heads the Department of Women and Child Health at China's National Health Commission and has 21 years of professional experience, according to the WHO.
Her work has involved developing laws and regulations concerning women's and children's health, including prenatal diagnosis and assisted reproductive technology, which covers medical procedures used to help people conceive.
If elected, Song would become the second Chinese national to head the WHO, following Margaret Chan, who led the organization from 2007 to 2017.
Song is seeking to replace WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose second term ends in August 2027. Under the organization's two-term limit, Tedros cannot seek reelection.
China's announcement came after the Sept. 24 nomination deadline, as Beijing looks to expand its influence following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw Washington from the organization.
Trump has repeatedly accused the WHO of being a "puppet of China," particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, while Beijing previously accused him of attempting to "shirk responsibility" to the organization.
Song faces competition from six other candidates nominated by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Spain, Indonesia and Botswana.
The WHO is a United Nations agency responsible for coordinating international public health efforts, including expanding universal health coverage.
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