China nominates Dr. Song Li for WHO director-general

China has nominated Dr. Song Li to serve as the next director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO). Song Li currently leads the Department of Women and Child Health at China’s National Health Commission and possesses a 21-year career in health policy.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated the nomination reflects China’s “firm support for multilateralism” and its desire to help the organization improve global health and wellbeing. If elected, Song would be the first person from mainland China to lead the agency, following former Hong Kong physician Margaret Chan.

The nomination comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics within the WHO. Following the United States’ decision to withdraw from the organization under President Donald Trump in January 2025, China has sought to expand its influence within international bodies. The current director-general, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is set to complete his term in August 2027 and is ineligible for a third term.

Song Li will face competition from candidates representing Spain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Indonesia, and Botswana.