The Chinese government has published its first white paper on traditional Chinese medicine or TCM, detailing policies and measures for its development.

Traditional Chinese medicine is an outstanding representation of Chinese civilization. It is medical science gradually formed and constantly enriched over thousands of years by Chinese people of all ethnic groups. TCM has made outstanding contributions not only to the prosperity and development of the Chinese nation, but also has had a positive impact on the rest of the world.

Traditional Chinese medicine has developed a unique view on life, fitness, and the prevention and control of diseases during its long history.

China has established a TCM medical care system covering both urban and rural areas. And in addition to making contributions to the prevention and control of common, endemic and serious diseases, TCM has played an important role in the prevention and control of major epidemics.

TCM development has been made a national strategy. The country has taken a series of major policy decisions and a number of plans to promote TCM development since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012.

China plans to enable every Chinese citizen to have access to basic TCM services by 2020 and make TCM services available in all areas of medical care by 2030.