China unveils framework for traditional medicine integration

At the opening of the World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026 in Beijing, Chinese officials and Prime Minister Li Qiang outlined a strategic framework for the revitalization and development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Central to this initiative is China’s newly published 15th Five-Year Plan, which prioritizes the digital and intelligent transformation of TCM. The plan aims to merge artificial intelligence with modern biomedicine to modernize ancient formulas and transform TCM into a science-based discipline. The government intends to encourage participation from both domestic and international research institutions and enterprises to drive this creative transformation.

Addressing global health challenges such as aging populations and chronic diseases, officials noted that TCM currently reaches 196 countries and regions. The strategy aligns with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034, emphasizing how traditional modalities can complement modern medicine through holistic regulation and unique diagnostic methods.