Wang Xuedian, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and executive dean of the Advanced Institute of Confucian Studies at Shandong University, emphasized the importance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)'s role in promoting Chinese culture abroad during this year's two sessions.

The two sessions are the annual gatherings in Beijing of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, and the CPPCC National Committee, the country's top political advisory body. The second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee session began on March 4 and the second session of the 14th NPC opened on March 5.

Wang believes that Chinese culture may appear complex and abstract to many people overseas, and TCM can offer a way for them to experience this culture firsthand.

The holistic approach of TCM, where treating a headache involves acupuncture on foot acupoints, reflects the holistic thinking ingrained in Chinese culture. People overseas can gain an understanding of the philosophical essence of Chinese culture through such practices.

He proposed to establish a number of TCM institutions overseas, such as TCM clinics and hospitals. By assisting local people in treating diseases and maintaining health, they can gradually experience, understand, and accept the harmony, balance, and unity of man and nature contained within TCM, as well as Chinese culture and wisdom.

More efforts should also be made to explore new ways to develop TCM through integration with western medicine, Wang suggested. He also proposed reviewing current domestic medical laws and regulations and removing clauses that obstruct the development of TCM to create a conducive environment for its development in China.