Statistics printed in state media Wednesday show that more than 300,000 Chinese will contract HIV during 2003. According to health ministry data reported in the China Daily, China had more than 1 million HIV cases last year -- a figure projected to increase by more than 30 percent annually. Previous reports indicate that about 100,000 Chinese have AIDS, and this number is estimated to double over the next five years. The paper said the government has put together a task force on AIDS vaccine research and welcomes foreign pharmaceutical companies and research institutes to participate in the Chinese search for a vaccine, although human trials are not permitted. If a foreign company's efforts achieve a breakthrough and it desires to use locals for a vaccine study, it must seek permission through a local partner, the paper said.

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