China nominates Song Li for WHO chief as agency faces funding shake-up from US exit

On Thursday, China's foreign ministry confirmed that health official Song Li has been nominated to run for director general of the World Health Organization (WHO). If elected, Song Li would be the first individual from mainland China to lead the United Nations health agency. This nomination comes amid a major funding shake-up for the WHO due to the United States' withdrawal from the organization.

China has pledged to increase its financial support, which includes a pledge of an additional US$500 million to the WHO over the next five years. Speaking at a press conference, China's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, emphasized that Song Li's potential appointment would help the WHO "play a more positive role in improving the health and well-being of all humanity."

Mao noted that the role of the director general is particularly important as the WHO navigates a changing global landscape, and China's nomination demonstrates its willingness to collaborate with all parties in building a community of health for all. Song's nomination underscores China's commitment to multilateralism and the WHO.

Six other candidates have already submitted their bids to become the next WHO director general. The WHO is expected to announce the full list of candidates early next month. The current director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is set to complete his second term in August of the following year.