China aims to advance the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as part of a new five-year plan for TCM development.

The plan also calls for improving high-quality TCM service networks, enhancing whole-life-cycle health care capabilities, and promoting the high-quality integration of TCM and Western medicine, among other key tasks.

The plan was jointly released by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Development and Reform Commission.

By 2030, TCM is expected to achieve breakthroughs in addressing some major health challenges, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions, cancer, kidney disorders and infectious diseases, according to the plan.

Grassroots TCM services will also be upgraded and basic research capabilities significantly strengthened over the next five years, with TCM services made accessible to all, said the plan.

The plan also calls for further developing TCM culture and enhancing its international influence.