News analysis

Crisis a chance for TCM to go global?

It is China's opportunity to project soft power if traditional medicine's efficacy is confirmed

A staff member preparing traditional Chinese medicine at a Liaoning hospital on Thursday. China has turned to TCM along with Western treatment as part of clinical trials to overcome the coronavirus epidemic.
A staff member preparing traditional Chinese medicine at a Liaoning hospital on Thursday. China has turned to TCM along with Western treatment as part of clinical trials to overcome the coronavirus epidemic. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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What's in a name?

When China first wowed the world with an announcement that it would build a 1,000-bed hospital in 10 days on the outskirts of Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus epidemic, the authorities did not have a name for it.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 22, 2020, with the headline Crisis a chance for TCM to go global?. Subscribe