# China nomination for WHO Director-General > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-nomination-for-who-director-general > Updated: 2026-10-11T22:25:47.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 3. China has nominated Dr. Song Li, a senior official from the National Health Commission, for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). Song Li, who leads the Department of Women and Child Health, has over 20 years of experience in maternal and child health policy and has played roles in managing health emergencies such as SARS and the COVID-19 pandemic. If elected, Song would be the second Chinese national to lead the agency, following the previous tenure of Margaret Chan. The nomination occurs during a period of significant geopolitical transition; following the withdrawal of the United States in January 2025, China has sought to expand its influence within international bodies. 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. Song Li will compete against candidates from Spain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Indonesia, and Botswana. The current Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is scheduled to complete his term in August 2027 and is ineligible for a third term. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-11: China nominates Song Li for WHO Director-General China has nominated public health official Song Li to lead the World Health Organization, joining a field of six candidates for the Director-General position. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-nominates-song-li-for-who-director-general ### 2026-10-09: China nominates Dr. Song Li for WHO director-general China has nominated Dr. Song Li, an expert in maternal and child health, to become the next director-general of the World Health Organization. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-nominates-dr-song-li-for-who-director-general ### 2026-10-06: China nominates Song Li for WHO Director-General position China plans to nominate senior health official Song Li for WHO Director-General, seeking to expand its influence following the United States' withdrawal from the organization. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-plans-to-nominate-song-li-for-who-leadership-role --- Cite as: China nomination for WHO Director-General. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-nomination-for-who-director-general