China plans to nominate Song Li for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), according to four diplomats and a source familiar with the matter reported by Reuters. The move comes as Beijing seeks to expand its influence within multilateral bodies following the United States’ withdrawal from the agency.
Song Li’s credentials and role in pandemic response
Song Li is a senior public health official with 20 years of experience in international cooperation and maternal and child health policy. In 2020, she served as the editor-in-chief of a paper that established national standards in China for managing maternal and child health and providing COVID-19 prevention and control guidance for women, Reuters reported.
If elected, Song would be the second Chinese national to lead the WHO, following Margaret Chan. Both Song and the Chinese mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the nomination.
China’s strategy to fill the U.S. void in the WHO
The planned nomination is a clear sign that China intends to fill a void left by the United States, a diplomatic source told Reuters. While the U.S. under President Donald Trump wound down its engagement with the UN and its constituent organizations, Beijing has sought greater responsibility within these agencies.
The U.S. administration previously criticized the WHO’s pandemic response and accused the organization of bias toward China, claims the WHO rejects. While China has announced additional funding for the health agency, Reuters noted that this funding is not enough to fill the financial gap left by the U.S. departure.
Donor loss forces sweeping WHO restructuring
The loss of its largest donor has forced the WHO into a sweeping restructuring.
The WHO will release a full list of nominees following final regional committee meetings expected in early November. Currently, six candidates have made their identities public on the WHO website, representing the following nations:
- Saudi Arabia
- Belgium
- Qatar
- Botswana
- Indonesia
- Spain
Who is the current Director-General of the WHO?
Who is the current Director-General of the WHO?
The incumbent director general is Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whom Song Li would seek to succeed.
What current health crises is the WHO managing?
The agency is currently leading international efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When will the final list of candidates be official?
The official list of nominees is expected to be released by the WHO in early November after the conclusion of regional committee meetings.
Song Li’s candidacy may face scrutiny due to ongoing tensions regarding the WHO’s relationship with China during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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