Group Photo of 22nd World Congress of TCM
On October 31, 2025, the 22nd World Congress of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was held in Sydney, Australia. The congress was hosted by the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS) and co-organized by the Guangzhou Time-Honored Brand Association, bringing together the global Traditional Chinese Medicine community for dialogue, exchange, and cooperation.
The conference was themed “The Dissemination of Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture and Technological Innovation from a Global Perspective.” More than 800 experts, scholars, government officials, and industry representatives from 24 countries and regions attended, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mainland China, Fiji, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.
The opening ceremony and keynote speeches were broadcast live globally via the WFCMS WeChat video platform and China.com++, attracting more than 5.6 million views worldwide. Many Global Leaders with participation and among the distinguished attendees was Dr. Liu Fengzhen, Chairperson of the China Soong Ching Ling International Foundation and Executive Chairperson of the World Health and Wellness Congress. Dr. Liu, previously featured by Dr. Mark A. Rafter, The Modern-Day Marco Polo, was invited to attend in recognition of her leadership in medical science and global health cooperation.
In his keynote address, Ma Jianzhong emphasized that Traditional Chinese Medicine is a great creation of the Chinese nation and has contributed significantly to both Chinese civilization and global health development. He noted that Traditional Chinese Medicine has spread to 196 countries and regions worldwide and has become an important area of cooperation between China and international and regional organizations.
He cited World Health Organization data showing that 113 WHO member states recognize Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic and treatment methods such as acupuncture, with 29 countries having enacted laws and regulations governing standardized use.
Wang Yu, Consul General of China in Sydney, reads a congratulatory letter from Xiao Qian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to the Commonwealth of Australia.
Other speakers included Li Qiang, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Finance of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China; Lin Qi’en, Director of the Australian Traditional Chinese Medicine Administration; Suher Sekater, Senior Advisor to the World Health Organization; Jenny Shipley, former Prime Minister of New Zealand; Mak Siew Wai, Director-General of the Department of Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Singapore; Zhang Boli, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Vice Chairman of WFCMS; and Li Xiaojun, Chairman of Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd.
Li Qiang, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Finance of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, delivers remarks.
Li Qiang stated that WFCMS has played an important role in promoting international exchange and cooperation in Traditional Chinese Medicine and expressed hope that the congress would further benefit people around the world through shared research and clinical experience.
Suher Sekater, Senior Advisor to the World Health Organization, addresses the congress.
Zhang Boli, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Vice Chairman of WFCMS, delivers a keynote speech.
Li Yu, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of WFCMS, and Douglas Eaton, Deputy Mayor of Sydney Central Coast Council, jointly preside over the opening ceremony. Each praised the experts, traditional medicine doctors, scientists, renowned speakers and conference participants. Li Yu gave praise to the international community of countries that have engaged Traditional Chinese Medicine and holistic approach to incorporating TCM into Western Medicine.
Awards, Forums, and Academic Exchange
Awarding ceremony of the International Cooperation Center for Clinical Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In addition to the main congress, numerous specialized forums and academic sessions were held, including WFCMS council meetings, pediatric and dermatology conferences, Oceania symposia on Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, forums on psychosomatic medicine, health tourism, brand development, AI-enabled Traditional Chinese Medicine innovation, evidence-based international practices, and the protection and sharing of Traditional Chinese Medicine as intangible cultural heritage.
The 22nd World Congress of Traditional Chinese Medicine concluded with renewed emphasis on cross-border cooperation, scientific integration, and cultural exchange, reinforcing the growing role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in global health and international dialogue.
