NPC deputy widens global access to traditional Chinese medicine care

Song Zhaopu, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and also a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in central China’s Henan Province, is using his knowledge and experience to contribute to the affordability and global reach of TCM.

Engaged in routine consultations and treatment procedures, Song embodies the essence of TCM, emphasizing holistic care and personalized therapies for his patients.

In a healthcare landscape dominated by Western medicine, Song's pioneering TCM rehabilitation approach has provided hope to over 3,200 children with cerebral palsy.

In modern Western medicine, the odds of curing cerebral palsy are slim. But for 15 years, Song has offered a unique TCM rehabilitation method, free of charge, to over 3,200 children with neurological disorder, earning him the endearing moniker "Angel Grandpa".

"Their smiles are the greatest reward I could ask for," said the doctor.

After being elected as a deputy to NPC, Song has devoted even more attention to broadening TCM's reach among the Chinese population, as evidenced by his advocacy for TCM's role in preventing and treating chronic illnesses during the 2024 NPC session. This year, he stressed the importance of TCM in rural clinics.

"My suggestion this year is to popularize TCM in rural clinics, enabling more people to access TCM up close," said Song.

With government support, TCM's benefits are gaining recognition both at home and abroad. Song's mentorship of international students in TCM reflects a broader effort to share Chinese medical knowledge globally.

Song also emphasized the fusion of traditional wisdom with modern technology.

"For the future development of TCM, it's crucial to combine it with modern technology and introduce AI to TCM," said Song.

Song said AI and other means should be leveraged to extract ancient sages' wisdom and apply it in clinical practice to safeguard the health of the people.

NPC deputy widens global access to traditional Chinese medicine care

Nicaragua's co-foreign minister Valdrack Jaentschke has warned that militarism must never be allowed to rise again, as Japan's recent moves to lift its arms export ban and revise the pacifist Constitution continue to draw international concern.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, where Japan's Class-A war criminals from World War II were brought to justice.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Valdrack Jaentschke voiced his concern that today's world order is being undermined by interventionism and other challenges.

"It is necessary for us to remember that after the end of World War II, countries worked hard to build a new international order based on international law. However, regrettably, more than 80 years later, we are seeing that this once explored and attempted order is being challenged by interventionism, a confrontational mindset, and tendencies like 'might makes right.' These are precisely the conditions that gave rise to fascism and militarism in the past, which ultimately led to the tragedy of World War II," he said.

He said the international community has a responsibility to pursue a new international order -- one fundamentally grounded in peace.

"Looking back at the history more than eight decades ago and comparing it with today's reality, it is our responsibility to recognize that the world should, and must, build a new international order that is more just, fairer, rooted in international law, based on a logic of mutual benefit and shared success, and fundamentally grounded in peace," said the minister.

"Today, as we revisit the Tokyo Trials, it is meant to remind the world that such a tragedy must never be repeated -- and that we must do everything in our power to prevent it from happening again. We must stop that dark world -- born from militarism, interventionism, and fascism -- from ever returning," he said.

Nicaraguan FM warns of militarism revival