China announces Song Li as its candidate to lead the World Health Organization

China announced on Thursday, October 8, that it was putting forward Song Li, a senior official at its National Health Commission, to become director-general of the World Health Organization. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed the move at a briefing, according to AFP reporting published by Channel News Asia. The announcement places Song in a contest to succeed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose term ends in August 2027. It does not establish that the WHO has formally listed her as a candidate or that she will be selected.

Mao said the nomination demonstrated China’s “firm support for multilateralism” and would help the WHO enhance health and well-being, AFP reported. Those are Beijing’s stated reasons for putting Song forward; the WHO’s published election timetable still sets out several steps before its next leader is chosen.

Who is Song Li?

Song heads the Department of Women and Child Health at China’s National Health Commission, according to AFP’s account. It describes her career as spanning 21 years and says she has participated in or organised work on laws concerning women’s and children’s health, including prenatal diagnosis and assisted reproductive technology. Her current role places her work in a part of public health with direct relevance to maternal and child care.

China previously proposed Song for the WHO’s Western Pacific regional director post in 2023. In that candidate document, China described her work in maternal and child health and involvement in international health cooperation. The document is a record of how China presented its candidate, rather than an independent evaluation of her record.

When will the WHO name its candidates?

The WHO’s published timetable gives September 24, 2026, at 18:00 CEST as the deadline for submitting candidatures. It says candidates will be announced on or after October 29. China’s October 8 announcement came after that stated submission deadline, but the timetable page does not say whether or how Song’s candidacy was submitted or accepted. A public statement by Beijing and an official WHO candidate listing are distinct steps; the latter remains to be seen.

Reuters reported on October 6 that six candidates representing Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Qatar, Botswana, Indonesia and Spain had already made their identities public on the WHO website. That was Reuters’ count at the time, not a confirmed final field. The WHO’s later formal announcement will provide a clearer basis for identifying who has entered the contest.

What happens before the next director-general is chosen?

Under the WHO timetable, a first candidates’ forum is scheduled to begin on November 18. A second forum is scheduled for March 15, 2027. The organisation says the forums will take place only if there is more than one candidate. Its Executive Board is due to shortlist and nominate up to three candidates in January 2027, ahead of the later Health Assembly stage of the election process.

Tedros cannot seek another term under the two-term limit, AFP reported. If Song is ultimately elected, she would be the second Chinese national to lead the WHO, after Margaret Chan, who headed the organisation from 2007 to 2017. Neither that precedent nor China’s announcement indicates how the coming selection stages will turn out.

The election is taking place as the WHO faces pressure following the United States’ departure. Reuters described the departure as a major funding shock and reported restructuring, reduced activities and job cuts. Its report did not establish that China’s nomination would alter those finances. For now, the confirmed development is Beijing’s decision to put Song forward; the WHO’s candidate announcement, shortlist and final choice remain ahead.