China announces candidate for WHO chief position

China on Thursday officially nominated senior health official Song Li as its candidate to succeed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as Director-General of the World Health Organization. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed the nomination, stating that Beijing hopes Song can help play a more active role in global health and well-being.

The final and complete list of nominees for the WHO leadership position will be released by the WHO in early November 2026 following regional committee meetings. The new Director-General will be officially appointed by the World Health Assembly in May 2027.