Clinton Commends China on Repealing HIV Travel Ban

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised China's lifting of the ban on visitors with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

"China's step, like our earlier action, is supported by current medical knowledge of HIV transmission and risk," she said in a statement on Thursday. "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."

The Chinese government announced the change Tuesday night on the official State Council website. The council's standing committee approved the repeal April 19, and Premier Wen Jiabao signed an official decree, making the repeal effective April 24.