China has nominated Song Li, a senior health official, for the position of director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Mao Ning, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, announced the nomination on Thursday, describing it as a demonstration of Beijing’s “firm support for multilateralism”.

She said Song’s nomination would help the WHO play a more active role in improving global health and the wellbeing of people worldwide.

Song, a specialist in maternal and child health, currently heads the Department of Women and Child Health at China’s National Health Commission.

According to the WHO, she has 21 years of professional experience and has participated in the development of laws and policies relating to women and children’s health, including prenatal diagnosis and assisted reproductive technology.

Song is among the candidates seeking to succeed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose second term as WHO director-general ends in August 2027. Tedros is ineligible for another term under the organisation’s two-term limit.

China’s nomination came after the September 24 deadline for candidates to be submitted.

Song will face candidates nominated by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Spain, Indonesia and Botswana, with the field comprising three women and three men in addition to the Chinese nominee.

The nomination comes amid changes in the WHO’s relationship with the United States following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the country from the organisation after returning to office in January.

Trump has repeatedly criticised the WHO, accusing it of being influenced by China, particularly over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China previously rejected the accusations and accused Trump of attempting to shift responsibility for the pandemic to the WHO.

If elected, Song would become the second Chinese national to head the WHO, after Margaret Chan, who served as director-general between 2007 and 2017.

The WHO, a United Nations agency, coordinates international efforts to address global health challenges and expand access to universal health coverage.