China Nominates Song Li for WHO Chief: Who Is the Chinese Health Official?
News Date: October 8, 2026
China has officially nominated senior health official Dr. Song Li as its candidate to become the next Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), putting her into the international race to succeed current WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Who Is Song Li?
Song Li is a senior Chinese public health official with more than 20 years of experience in maternal and child health policy, public health administration and international cooperation.
She has worked with China's National Health Commission and has focused extensively on women's and children's health. According to information cited by the WHO and international reports, her career has also included work related to maternal healthcare, child health and cooperation with international health organizations.
Song has also been involved in China's response to major public health emergencies, including SARS, bird flu outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 crisis, she was involved in developing guidance concerning prevention and control measures for maternal and child health.
Why Is China Putting Her Forward?
China's Foreign Ministry said Song's nomination reflects Beijing's support for multilateralism and the WHO. Chinese officials said her potential leadership would help strengthen international cooperation and improve global health and wellbeing.
The nomination also comes at an important moment for the WHO. The United States has reduced its involvement with several international organizations, while China has sought a greater role in global institutions.
If Song is elected, she would become the second Chinese national to lead the WHO, after Margaret Chan, who served as Director-General from 2007 to 2017.
Who Will Replace Tedros?
The next WHO Director-General will succeed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose second term ends in August 2027. Under WHO rules, Tedros cannot seek another term.
Song is entering a competitive field. Candidates publicly announced so far include officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Spain, Indonesia and Botswana. The WHO's Executive Board is expected to narrow the field to three candidates before the final election at the World Health Assembly in May 2027.
What Could Song Li's Nomination Mean for the WHO?
Song's candidacy puts China's experience and priorities in global health at the center of the WHO leadership debate. Her background in maternal and child health, pandemic response and international cooperation could become important themes during the selection process.
At the same time, her nomination is likely to receive international attention because of the continuing debate over China's role in global health governance and the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The final decision will be made by WHO member states, meaning Song's nomination is the beginning of the selection process rather than a confirmation that she will become the next Director-General.
Key Facts About Song Li
Name: Dr. Song Li
Country: China
Field: Public health and international health cooperation
Experience: More than 20 years
Specialization: Maternal and child health
WHO Role: Candidate for Director-General
Current WHO Chief: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Final Election: Expected at the World Health Assembly in May 2027
Song Li's nomination marks an important development in the race for the WHO's next leader and could further highlight China's growing involvement in international health diplomacy.