Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for enhanced international collaboration in the field of traditional medicine, emphasizing the need for scientific innovation and increased accessibility to healthcare worldwide. Speaking at the World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026 in Beijing, which attracted approximately 1,200 attendees, Li underscored the significance of traditional medicine in safeguarding public health and preserving cultural heritage.
Li outlined China’s commitment to advancing traditional Chinese medicine through scientific research, technological innovation, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. He advocated for the incorporation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to modernize traditional Chinese medicine and highlighted China’s plans to foster partnerships among domestic and international research institutions, businesses, and healthcare organizations to drive innovation in this sector.
The premier also expressed China’s readiness to expand pilot programs that enhance medical services and promote the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal resources. He stressed the importance of making healthcare more accessible and reducing global health disparities, urging nations to learn from each other and avoid over-reliance on a single method for addressing complex health challenges.
Li’s remarks spotlight China’s efforts to promote traditional medicine on an international scale while encouraging research, technological development, and cooperation to improve healthcare outcomes. He called for balanced policymaking and shared responsibility in tackling public health issues, underscoring the need for greater international cooperation.
The conference marks a significant step in China’s ongoing initiative to elevate traditional medicine’s role globally, aligning with Beijing’s broader goals of fostering innovation and addressing health inequalities through collaborative efforts.