China plans to put forward a late candidate to lead the World Health Organization, according to Reuters. Four diplomats and a source familiar with the matter shared the plan.

Beijing will nominate Song Li, the sources said. Song is a senior public health official. She has 20 years of experience in maternal and child health policy and international cooperation.

Song would succeed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as director general. The move would let Beijing expand its influence after the United States quit the WHO.

The US exit left the agency in a funding crisis. The WHO has cut senior roles and eliminated thousands of jobs. China has announced extra funding. But it is far from filling the gap left by Washington.

Six candidates have already made their bids public. They represent Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Qatar, Botswana, Indonesia and Spain.

The WHO will release the full list of nominees after regional committee meetings in early November. Song and China’s mission in Geneva did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Sources:

• https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/china-plans-late-entry-into-who-leadership-race-sources-say-2026-10-06/
• https://q1019fm.com/2026/10/06/exclusive-china-plans-late-entry-into-who-leadership-race-sources-say/
• https://genevasolutions.news/global-health/who-wants-to-lead-the-who-four-candidates-jostle-for-top-job-as-deadline-nears