How did China move from medical scarcity to frontline innovation, becoming one of the most consequential forces in global health? And what does this rapid rise mean for the rest of the world?

Dr Ruby Wang presents her new book, China Cure, which traces China’s transformation from imported medicines to globally competitive biotech, from overcrowded clinics to mobile-first care, and from domestic health reform to a growing presence across the Global South.

As its health innovation expands rapidly at home and abroad, Ruby Wang will be joined by Kerry Brown, Professor of Chinese Studies at King’s College London to explore why China has become essential to understanding the future of medicine, and how its choices will affect patients and health systems, as well as economics, security and development worldwide.

Books will be available to purchase on the day. 

Speakers

Ruby Wang is a practising clinician, strategist and writer working across health, technology, policy and global governance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as Head of Health for the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in China, and as Health Advisor to the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Beijing. She is Founding Director at LINTRIS Health consultancy, Alistair Horne Fellow at St Antony’s Oxford, Digital Health Council member at the Royal Society of Medicine and Fellow on Global Health at the Asia Society.

Kerry Brown is Professor of Chinese Studies and Director of the Lau China Institute at King’s College London. He is a leading scholar of contemporary China, specialising in Chinese politics, history, international relations and UK–China relations. Previously Professor of Chinese Politics at the University of Sydney and Head of the Asia Programme at Chatham House, he also spent seven years working for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including as First Secretary at the British Embassy in Beijing. He is the author of more than 20 books on China, most recently Mao: Power and Contradiction (2026).

This is a free event, which means we overbook to allow for no-shows and avoid empty seats. While we generally do not have to turn people away, this does mean we cannot guarantee all ticket holders a place. Admission is on a first come, first served basis. Those without tickets will not be admitted.

This event is hosted as part of King’s Lau China Institute’s CHINA WEEK (19-23 October) - a series of events designed to engage a wider audience in China. Find out more at kcl.ac.uk/china-week