China Plans Late Bid for WHO Leadership

China is preparing a late bid to lead the World Health Organization, with reports saying it plans to nominate Song Li, a senior public health official with two decades of experience in maternal and child health and international cooperation. The move could expand Beijing’s influence as the United States steps back from the agency and other international institutions. The loss of the WHO’s largest donor has prompted the agency to scale back activities, cut senior positions and eliminate thousands of jobs; China has pledged additional funding but has not replaced the U.S. contribution. Six countries have already publicly nominated candidates, and the WHO is expected to publish its full candidate list after regional committee meetings in early November.