U.S. Salutes China on Lifting Ban

China's announcement that it will no longer deny entry to HIV-positive nonnationals drew praise April from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Her statement referenced the U.S. government's move in January scrapping a similar policy, which had been in force since 1987.

"China's step, like our earlier action, is supported by current medical knowledge of HIV transmission and risk," Clinton said. "And it will help reduce the stigma and discrimination around HIV/AIDS that fuel the global pandemic and too often prevent people from accessing much-needed services."

China changed its policy in time for Saturday's opening of the Shanghai World Expo, which expects 100 million visitors during its six-month run.