China’s push to standardize Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has accelerated dramatically in the 14th Five-Year Plan era. The National Technical Committee revealed the approval of 34 new standards at its 2025 annual conference, pushing the national total to 36.
This expansion underscores TCM’s vital role in national health strategy. The comprehensive system now integrates diverse elements: diagnostic and treatment protocols, cutting-edge research, ethnic minority remedies, drug formulation processes, and digital record-keeping.
Revealed during the January 24 Beijing meeting, these measures are designed to fortify TCM’s technical infrastructure. Their growing international resonance promises to export Chinese wellness expertise far beyond borders.
Industry leaders view this as a pivotal moment, enabling stricter quality assurance and research synergies. With a dynamic ‘Standards System Table’ in place, TCM is evolving into a standardized, scalable discipline. Future updates will likely incorporate AI and biotech, ensuring TCM remains at the forefront of integrative medicine.