A forum on inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) culture in the new era was held on Dec 20 in Beijing.

He Wei, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and executive vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, delivered a speech at the forum. 

He pointed out that the convening of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) marked embarking on a journey to fully build a modern socialist China.  

During the journey, the innovative development of TCM will be given new and broader space, said He, adding that TCM should explore ways to improve people's quality of life and health.

He noted that expanding domestic demand is an important strategic pillar of China’s new development paradigm while actively responding to an aging society is a new national strategy. As such TCM must play a role in ensuring the health of the Chinese people, said He.

He underscored that as the pandemic still rages on TCM has attracted global attention for its contribution to the fight against the pandemic.

The forum was attended by TCM experts and scholars from across the country.