Beijing nominates maternity health expert Song Li for WHO top job
China has put forward Song Li, a specialist in women and child health, as its candidate to succeed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as WHO director-general.
China declared on Thursday that it is nominating Song Li, a 21-year veteran of the National Health Commission and head of its women and child health department, for the World Health Organization’s director-general position. The announcement, made by foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, frames the nomination as a demonstration of China’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and a way to strengthen the WHO’s role in improving global health outcomes.
Song would replace incumbent Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose term ends in August 2027 and who is barred from seeking a third term. If elected, she would become the second Chinese national to lead the UN health agency, following Margaret Chan’s 2007-2017 tenure. The timing follows the United States’ exit from the WHO after President Donald Trump’s criticism of the body. Song will compete with candidates from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Spain, Indonesia and Botswana.
Why it matters
The nomination could shift the balance of influence within the WHO as the United States steps back from the agency.
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