Li Qiang attends and addresses the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Conference on Traditional Medicine

On the morning of October 17, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Conference on Traditional Medicine in Beijing and delivered a speech. Li Qiang said that, as President Xi Jinping noted in his congratulatory letter to the 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine, traditional medicine is an achievement of human civilization. It needs to be safeguarded from generation to generation and its essence carried forward; it also needs to advance with the times while upholding tradition and pursuing innovation. In today's era, how should traditional medicine better play its role? Drawing on the practice of traditional Chinese medicine development, I would like to share some observations and reflections with you. First, traditional medicine is a unique force for safeguarding human health and promoting the progress of civilization. Traditional medicine originates from thousands of years of production and daily life; it is the crystallization of wisdom accumulated by humanity in the struggle against disease and in coexistence with nature. Through long-term development, traditional medicine has continued to enrich in substance, and its functions and missions have steadily expanded. It has become an important means of protecting life and health, an important vehicle for passing on diverse civilizations, and an important bond for enhancing friendship among countries. Second, China's traditional medicine has blazed a distinctive development path through long-term practice. The Chinese government has always attached great importance to the development of traditional Chinese medicine. We uphold tradition while pursuing innovationstaying true to the "roots" and "soul" of traditional Chinese medicine while using modern science and technology to advance its creative transformation and innovative application. We have strengthened policy support and actively promoted the widespread use of traditional Chinese medicine in medical institutions at all levels and in all types of diagnosis and treatment settings. We emphasize inclusiveness and mutual learning, drawing on the advanced concepts and techniques of other countries' fine traditional medicine. These valuable experiences also offer useful references for the development of traditional medicine worldwide. Third, we should address the challenges of our times and jointly promote the renewed development of traditional medicine. The international community should strengthen coordination, integrate and make good use of global traditional medicine resources, and jointly tackle the challenges facing human health. We should enhance scientific and technological empowerment and accelerate the innovative development of traditional medicine. China will advance the digital and intelligent transformation of traditional Chinese medicine and encourage and support the active participation of Chinese and foreign research institutions and enterprises. We should deepen exchanges and cooperation and pool synergy for the development of traditional medicine. China will continue to expand pilot programs for opening up medical services and is ready to work with all parties to advance the construction of Belt and Road herbal resource conservation centers. We should promote inclusive sharing and better advance global health equity. China will fulfill its responsibilities within the limits of its capabilities and contribute to bridging the global health divide. Li Qiang noted that the Chinese often speak of the healer's compassionate heart and the mission to relieve the world's suffering. When a person falls ill, the body needs to be regulated; likewise, when world development runs into problems and faces difficulties, governance is needed. The Global Governance Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping is a good prescription for addressing the various disorders in today's world. In treating illness, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes a holistic and harmonious outlook, stressing systematic treatment and strengthening the foundation. The same is true of economic governance. The countries of the world form an organic whole; no country can prosper in isolation, and no single model can cure all ills. We should have more of the wisdom of tolerance and accommodation and less of the obsession with zero-sum games; more of the sense of responsibility to stand together through thick and thin and less of the short-sightedness of beggar-thy-neighbor policiesand jointly safeguard the prosperity of the world.