China Picks WHO Boss Candidate as US Exit Changes the Race

(WHO. Photo by CNA)

China has put forward maternity health expert Song Li to become the next head of the World Health Organization, a move that could boost Beijing's influence over the body after the United States pulled out this year.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced it on Thursday and said the nomination shows China's firm support for working with other countries and will help the WHO do more for the health of all people.

Song is in the race to replace Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose term ends in August 2027 and who cannot run again because of the two-term limit.

She heads the Department of Women and Child Health at China's National Health Commission and has a 21-year career, according to the WHO.

She has taken part in shaping several laws on women and children's health, including those on prenatal diagnosis and assisted reproductive technology.

The announcement came after the September 24 deadline for the role.

It gives Beijing a chance to fill the space left by President Donald Trump, who pulled the US out of the WHO after returning to office in January.

Trump has long called the WHO a puppet of China, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, while China has accused him of trying to dodge responsibility.

Song will face candidates from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Spain, Indonesia and Botswana, made up of three men and three women.

If she wins, she will be the second Chinese national to lead the WHO after Margaret Chan, who headed it from 2007 to 2017.