Cao Xuetao, vice-minister of the National Health Commission (NHC), led a delegation to the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions from May 25 to 28.

During his stay in Hong Kong, Cao addressed the opening ceremonies of the 2025 Hospital Authority Convention and the Asia Summit on Global Health. In his speeches, he focused on latest developments and priorities for the health sector on the Chinese mainland as well as achievements in participating in global health governance. He said he hoped to deepen practical cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong in professional fields, and promote scientific and technological innovation and the development of the health industry so as to jointly build a Healthy China and address global health challenges. The delegation also visited the State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology and the State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

In Macao, Cao met with Sam Hou-fai, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, and O Lam, secretary for social affairs and culture of Macao. Discussions focused on advancing practical health cooperation projects between the mainland and Macao, supporting the development of Macao's big health industry and jointly participating in global health governance. Cao also conducted on-site research on the operations of the Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, an islands healthcare complex, acknowledging its current achievements and offering suggestions for future development.