Securitizing HIV/AIDS: a game changer in state-societal relations in China?

Lo, Catherine Yuk-ping

Such an alteration in perception toward the epidemic brought about the political recognition of the HIV/ AIDS-focused NGOs, which has also been highlighted by multiple statements delivered by various top-level government officials since 2003. In 2004, Vice Premier Wu Yi stated, "We should mobilize all the partners in society to participate in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We need to improve our policies and strategies to build a better environment for the society to participate in the response, and try our best to facilitate the involvement of all sectors" [49] . In 2011, Vice Minister of Health Yin Li publicly proclaimed "civil societies play an indispensable role in effective HIV/AIDS interventions led by the government" [50] . Premier Li Keqiang even promoted tax break for NGOs specializing in HIV/AIDS prevention, claiming the role of NGOs in HIV/AIDS prevention "is an irreplaceable and unique force" [51] . To a certain extent, these aforementioned statements demonstrate the state's recognition of NGOs' works and its willingness to engage with NGOs in national HIV/AIDS interventions, although the political space of involvement is by and large bounded by the state [52] .