BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- China is to improve the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in prevention and treatment of major diseases.

The plan by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine lays out major tasks including developing technology and developing new TCM products and applications.

According to a 2016 white paper on TCM, 45 items of TCM research have won national science and technology awards with five taking the top prize.

TCM is an important health and economic resource with huge potential. However, domestic TCM development faces significant challenges particularly in standards and quality control.

The plan stresses that, by 2020, problems hindering TCM expansion should be solved and at least 50 pharmacopeial standards as well as 100 industry standards should be established.

China should also complete the registration of five to 10 medications with TCM ingredients in developed countries, the plan said.