China Expands Traditional Medicine Reach Worldwide

China is actively broadening international collaboration in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to benefit a global population. As of October 10, 2026, TCM has expanded its reach to 196 countries and regions worldwide. China has established 30 high-quality overseas TCM centers and 31 national-level TCM service export facilities.

These facilities facilitate medical services, personnel training, scientific research, and cultural exchanges. Five TCM foreign aid teams have been dispatched to Cambodia to provide TCM services to local residents. Collaboration within the Belt and Road Initiative countries also strengthens joint research on medicinal resources.

The World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026 is scheduled for October 17-18 in Beijing. This event, co-hosted by several Chinese authorities and the World Health Organization, will focus on "Technology Empowerment and Integrated Development: Advancing Traditional Medicine for All."

The conference aims to discuss TCM's integration into mainstream international health systems, evidence-based development, and the role of artificial intelligence in innovation. The inaugural conference in December 2024 provided a platform for enhancing global access and integration of traditional and complementary medicine.