An array of modern TCM extraction tanks operating at the digital extraction shop of TCM product developer Tasly Pharmaceutical in Tianjian on May 10, 2020. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The government should strengthen cooperation with organizations such as World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, describing and translating TCM theories with technical terms recognized by modern medicine, the legislator said. In doing so, foreign citizens can better understand the theories behind TCM and its technical advantages, he added.

"To enhance the overseas understanding of TCM, holding lectures, cultural exhibits, and popular science activities on TCM and offering charitable TCM treatment are also needed," Du said.

Du also proposed building an online regulatory platform to optimize the mechanism of monitoring and sharing the information about TCM production, distribution and sales.

"A platform like this will enable us to know where the medicines come and go. So the quality will be better monitored and we will know who to be held accountable when there's a problem," Du said.

The deputy also called on the government to encourage and channel more private investments into the export-oriented TCM industry.