China May Nominate a Candidate
China plans to enter the race to lead the World Health Organization (WHO) with a late nomination, according to diplomats and a source familiar with the matter. Reports say China plans to nominate Song Li, a senior public health official with about 20 years of experience in maternal and child health policy and international cooperation. She could succeed current WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
China Seeks Greater Influence
The move comes as the United States has stepped back from the WHO. As a result, China may have an opportunity to strengthen its influence within the global health agency.
According to ETHealthworld and Reuters, the WHO has also begun a major restructuring after losing the US as its largest donor. The agency has reduced activities, cut senior positions, and eliminated thousands of jobs.
China has pledged additional funding to the WHO. However, it has not yet replaced the financial support previously provided by the United States.
WHO Race Faces Scrutiny
The potential nomination could attract scrutiny because of ongoing concerns surrounding China’s relationship with the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Six candidates from Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Qatar, Botswana, Indonesia, and Spain have already publicly entered the race. The WHO is expected to publish the complete list of nominees after its final regional committee meetings in early November.
If selected, Song Li would become the second Chinese national to lead the WHO, following Margaret Chan, who served as director-general from 2006 to 2017.