China is saying it wants to give its Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) greater global exposure, according to a strategic plan announced at the Boao Forum for 2015 Asia Annual Conference on March 27.

Introducing the idea was Wang Guoqiang, a vice-minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, who explained that TCM is already known by 171 countries and regions and there are 83 special agreements with foreign countries and regional organizations.

Wang cited WHO statistics showing that Australia, Canada, Austria, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and 21 other countries have given TCM legal status, while 18 countries and regions give TCM medical coverage, and 30 have TCM schools.

He went on to say, “The idea behind TCM going global is to spread Chinese culture to foreign countries to acquaint them with TCM theory. China will set up TCM demonstration areas to promote TCM, including acupuncture and massage. Acupuncture has already spread to 183 countries.”

There are many TCM doctors practicing abroad who have gained a good reputation which will help smooth the road to TCM going global.