China 'to end HIV foreigners ban'

China plans to end a 20-year ban on foreigners with HIV entering the country, the health ministry says.

Department spokesman Mao Qun'an said the rule had been introduced at a time when people knew little about how HIV/Aids was spread.

However, he did not say when the law would be changed.

Aids activists have been critical of the current law, under which foreigners can be turned away on arrival or deported if they are already in China.

Mr Mao said the rules should be revised to put them in line with the current assessment of the disease.

"The amendment of the regulation is a complicated process that may require some time. However, China will keep its word on that," the Shanghai Daily newspaper quoted Mr Mao as saying.