China is reportedly considering putting forward a candidate for the World Health Organization (WHO) director-general post, according to four diplomats and one source cited by Reuters. China plans to nominate Song Li, a senior public health official, to succeed current WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. If elected, Song would become the second Chinese national to lead the organization, following Chen Liu-fan. In the wake of the United States’ withdrawal from the WHO, this move could present Beijing with an opportunity to expand its influence.

The deadline for candidate nominations has already passed in September, with the full list expected to be announced in early November. Six countries—Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Qatar, Botswana, Indonesia, and Spain—have publicly disclosed their nominees. The electoral process will see the Executive Board select up to three finalists in January 2027, followed by a final vote at the World Health Assembly in May of the same year.

Following the Trump administration’s departure from the WHO, the organization now faces a funding shortfall of approximately $640 million—equivalent to about 15% of its budget—necessitating large-scale restructuring and staff reductions. Meanwhile, China’s assessed contribution has risen from 5.15% to 20%, with an additional pledge of $500 million in targeted support. In theory, the country contributing the largest share may reasonably expect greater influence in leadership selection.

Yet the reality is more complex. While China’s candidate holds advantages—particularly strong support among Global South nations benefiting from Chinese health aid and vaccine supplies—the path remains fraught with challenges. Opposition is likely to emerge from Western blocs, which may frame the prospect of a “Chinese-led WHO” as a central point of criticism. European candidates such as Krüger could thus emerge as alternative options.

This development is not isolated. Over recent years, the United States has systematically withdrawn from multilateral institutions, while China has been methodically stepping into the resulting void. The WHO is merely one front in a broader contest unfolding across other international organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, and UNESCO.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1878350141530307/

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