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 and Channel News Asia, Song Li is the head of the Department of Women and Child Health at China's National Health Commission, with a 21-year career. She has been involved 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, as reported by Free Malaysia Today and Channel News Asia. 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 organization from 2007 to 2017, as noted by Channel News Asia. China's nomination comes after the September 24 deadline for the role, and presents an opportunity for Beijing to expand its influence over the international body, particularly after the US quit this year, according to Free Malaysia Today.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, Punch, Free Malaysia Today, Channel News Asia — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.