China is changing the shape of global health. The terms are still up for negotiation

TL;DR - A Nature commentary argues that China’s expanding global health partnerships can improve access to affordable diagnostics, medicines, and other health-care resources, but their terms must protect recipient countries’ sovereignty and build durable local capacity.

• Chinese partnerships are reshaping how health technologies and services reach other nations.
• Low-cost diagnostics and medicines could broaden access to health care.
• Global institutions should help structure agreements that strengthen local expertise and infrastructure.
• Partnership terms must avoid dependency and preserve national control over health systems.