China nominates candidate for next WHO chief

[Financial News]  China has formally nominated a candidate for the next director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO). 
According to AFP on the 8th (local time), Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced at a briefing that the Chinese government had recommended Dr. Song Li as a candidate to lead the WHO. The recommendation is seen as a move by China to substantially expand its influence within the global health organization following the United States’ withdrawal from the WHO this year.
Mao said the nomination “demonstrates China’s firm support for multilateralism” and “will contribute to the WHO playing a more active role in promoting the health and well-being of all humanity.”
China’s nomination comes at a time of major changes to the WHO’s financial structure and balance of influence. Following the United States’ abrupt withdrawal this year, after having been the WHO’s largest contributor, China’s move is seen as a proactive effort to fill the void and secure global health leadership.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided no further details, such as Dr. Song Li’s full biography or the schedule for selecting the next WHO director-general.
The term of current WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus ends on August 15 next year.
[email protected] Yoon Jae-jun Reporter