A decade of China's health silk road: policy review for global health governance and SDG partnerships

Abstract

The tenth anniversary of China's Health Silk Road (HSR) offers a timely opportunity to review its contributions and challenges in advancing global health governance and international public health cooperation. As important health-related global public goods (GPGs), the HSR has sought to promote equitable access to health resources, reduce disparities among partner countries, and strengthen international collaboration in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This policy and practice review critically analyzes the governance structure, policy mechanisms, and implementation experiences of the HSR, using policy documents, international organization reports, and comparative case analysis. The review identifies central challenges, including regulatory fragmentation, inconsistent recognition of medical qualifications, and varying standards for health practices across diverse cultural and political contexts. It emphsizes the need for more transparent, inclusive, and rule-based governance frameworks that generates mutual trust and integration of non-state actors. The paper offers policy recommendations to strengthen cross-border cooperation, promote mutual learning, and deepen international partnerships, aiming to inform the future development of more transparent, inclusive, and rule-based global health governance rooted in diverse regional experiences.

Keywords: China; global health governance; health diplomacy; health silk road; right to health; sustainable development.