Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at the October 8 briefing that China has nominated Dr. Song Li to run for director-general of the World Health Organization. Huanqiu's account stressed support for multilateralism and the WHO.
According to Huanqiu Net, Mao Ning confirmed at the regular press conference on October 8 that China has nominated Dr. Song Li in the race for the next WHO director-general. Reuters had earlier cited sources saying China planned to put forward Song, described as a senior public health official, and a reporter asked at the briefing whether that was true.
광고 문의 · 300×250The question also noted that one Reuters source read the move as China seeking to fill the gap left by the United States' exit from the WHO, and asked whether the US withdrawal was an opportunity for China. What follows summarizes Mao Ning's reply as relayed by Huanqiu.
How Beijing explained the nomination
Mao Ning began by saying the WHO is the UN's specialized agency for health and plays a leading and coordinating role in global health governance. He added that with multilateralism under strain and global health tasks heavy, the director-general's role is especially important as the WHO adapts to new conditions.
He said China's nomination of Dr. Song Li shows its willingness to work with all parties toward a community of shared health for mankind, and its firm support for multilateralism and the WHO. China believes that if Song is elected it would help the WHO play a more active role in improving the health and well-being of all people.
In the Huanqiu report, no direct answer was relayed to the question of whether the US exit is an opportunity for China, and no timetable or election procedure details appeared. Song's background is also unconfirmed beyond the Reuters sources' description as a senior public health official, and we will report further when official details emerge.
