Margaret Chan, former director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), was the first Chinese to hold that position. On the sidelines of China's Two Sessions, Chan spoke to CGTN host Tian Wei, and of course, the topic fell on the breakout of SARS in 2003, with Chan calling it "an area where China can share with other countries."

"In 2003 when China was dealing with SARS, it didn't know how to deal with it. And for whatever reason China was criticized by the world. But since 2003, China has improved and invested in its health care system and the information system in reporting to the World Health Organization and being very transparent. China is one of the best countries in terms of preventing and containing infectious diseases."

Chan also said China has been generous in sharing with the rest of the world its lessons in developing its health care system.

As a person who has invested her life to public health, Chan now has a new role this year, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

"As a new member, I have to listen and learn. There is so much to learn about playing the role of CPPCC member. This is a transformation of my role, to serve China now as a Chinese from Hong Kong. As director general of the WHO, I was an international servant, and I did not wear my nationality on my sleeve. It has been a great honor to serve the WHO, but without the 'one China, two system' policy, I wouldn't have the opportunity to do so." 

Tian Wei asked Chan how she thought of Chinese President Xi Jinping as a person since she met him so many times. 

"I met him quite a number of times and worked with him and his team on health care reform. I have to say he is a leader, not only is he a visionary, but he is also courageous and committed. He is one of the very few political leaders that honored his promises."