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Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on the international community to bolster global cooperation, leverage cutting-edge technology, and ensure equitable access to traditional medicine to tackle emerging healthcare challenges worldwide.
Speaking at the World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026 in Beijing, Premier Li emphasised the urgent need to safeguard ancient medical wisdom while modernising practices through scientific innovation.
Describing traditional systems as vital repositories of cultural heritage and human knowledge, Li highlighted how distinct diagnostic and therapeutic practices continue to complement modern medicine, offering valuable insights into human health, community wellness, and harmony with nature.
Key Highlights from the Address
Technological Advancement: Premier Li urged nations to harness artificial intelligence, modern biomedicine, and digital technology to accelerate scientific research, refine diagnostic methods, and transform centuries-old remedies into evidence-based treatments.
The Chinese Model: Highlighting China’s vast Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) footprint, Li revealed that TCM institutions now account for approximately 10 percent of all medical facilities in China, with nearly every health facility nationwide offering TCM services.
Global Reach & Equity: TCM services now extend to 196 countries and regions. Li advocated for broader support for developing nations to bridge global health inequities, rejecting zero-sum approaches in international relations.
Implementation of WHO Strategy: World leaders were urged to actively implement the World Health Organization’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, integrate traditional practices into national health systems, and protect intellectual property and medicinal resources.
Bridging Healthcare and Global Governance
Drawing a parallel between the holistic balance central to traditional medicine and the balance required in global economic governance, the Chinese Premier stressed that nations cannot achieve lasting health or economic prosperity in isolation.
He called on world leaders to embrace compassion, peaceful coexistence, and shared responsibility to safeguard global public health and drive sustainable development. (NAN)
