On the morning of October 17, 2026, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026 in Beijing and delivered a speech.
Li Qiang stated that as President Xi Jinping noted in his congratulatory message to the World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2024, traditional medicine is an achievement of human civilization. We must preserve and carry forward its finest legacies from generation to generation. We must also keep pace with the times and break new ground. In this day and age, how should traditional medicine adapt to new circumstances and better play its role? I would like to take this opportunity to share some of my observations and reflections with you, drawing on China’s practice in developing traditional medicine.
First, traditional medicine is a unique force in safeguarding human health and advancing civilization. Traditional medicine is rooted in thousands of years of human experience in life and work. It embodies the wisdom that humanity has accumulated in its struggle against disease and its quest to live in harmony with nature. Over the long course of its development, traditional medicine has grown richer in scope and substance and taken on broader functions and missions. Traditional medicine serves as a crucial safeguard for life and health, encapsulates the diversity of civilizations, and is an important bond of friendship between nations.
Second, through time-honored practice, China’s traditional medicine has forged a distinctive development path. The Chinese government has consistently attached great importance to the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We uphold our fine tradition while breaking new ground, staying true to the “roots” and “soul” of TCM, and applying modern science and technology to bring about creative transformation and innovative application of TCM. We strengthen policy support and actively promote the extensive application of TCM in various medical institutions and clinical settings. We emphasize inclusivity and learn from the advanced concepts and therapeutic techniques of outstanding traditional medicine systems around the world. These valuable experiences also offer useful lessons for the development of traditional medicine worldwide.
Third, the international community should work together to meet the challenges of our time and promote the renewed development of traditional medicine. The international community should strengthen coordination and collaboration, better integrate and leverage traditional medicine resources, and jointly address various challenges to human health. We must harness science and technology to speed up innovation-driven development of traditional medicine. China will promote the digital and intelligent transformation of TCM, and we encourage and support Chinese and foreign research institutions and enterprises to take an active part in these efforts. We must deepen exchanges and cooperation to forge synergy for the development of traditional medicine. China will continue to expand pilot programs for opening up its medical service sector and work with all parties to advance the establishment of a medicinal resources conservation center under the Belt and Road Initiative. We must advance inclusive and shared benefits and better promote global health equity. China will continue to fulfill its responsibilities to the best of its capabilities and help to bridge the global health divide.
Li Qiang noted that the Chinese often say that healing begins with a compassionate heart. One who safeguards health and life must be a person of deep compassion-one who holds in his heart family and country, and indeed the whole world. When a person falls ill, they need care and recuperation. Likewise, when the world encounters problems and faces challenges, it needs proper governance. The Global Governance Initiative launched by President Xi Jinping provides an effective remedy for the various disorders plaguing today’s world. TCM underscores a holistic, harmony-oriented approach, emphasizing systematic treatment that strengthens the foundation and nourishes vitality. The same holds true for economic governance. As all countries form an organic whole, no country can prosper in isolation, and no single model can be a panacea. Therefore, we should embrace the wisdom of inclusivity and harmony and move away from the obsession with zero-sum thinking. We should stand together in times of adversity and reject the short-sightedness of beggar-thy-neighbor policies, and work hand in hand to safeguard global prosperity.
WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Saia Ma’u Piukala delivered remarks. Approximately 1,200 people attended the opening ceremony, including government officials from various countries, diplomatic envoys from various countries to China, experts and scholars, traditional medicine practitioners, and heads of relevant international organizations.
Yin Li, Liu Guozhong, and Wu Zhenglong attended the event.