China unveils candidate for WHO chief position

China has nominated Song Li, a maternity health expert, to lead the World Health Organization (WHO). According to Free Malaysia Today, Song Li is the head of the Department of Women and Child Health at China's National Health Commission and has a 21-year career in the field. She has participated in formulating laws related to women's and children's health, including prenatal diagnosis and assisted reproductive technology.

The nomination was announced by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who stated that it demonstrates China's support for multilateralism and will help the WHO play a greater role in improving global health. Song Li is running to replace incumbent director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose term ends in August 2027.

If elected, Song Li would be the second Chinese national to lead the WHO, following Margaret Chan who headed the organisation from 2007 to 2017, as per Channel News Asia. China's nomination comes after the September 24 deadline for the role.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Free Malaysia Today, Channel News Asia — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.