Chinese health authorities will attempt to limit the number of AIDS infections to 1.5 million, Vice-Premier Wu Yi told a visiting UN official on Wednesday.

Meeting with Nafis Sadik, special advisor to the UN secretary-general and special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Asia and the Pacific, Wu said the government attached great importance to the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.

It had annually increased financial support for HIV/AIDS prevention and control, she said, adding the government had initiated an action plan to curb and prevent HIV/AIDS from 2006 to 2010.

"The government values its cooperation with the United Nations. We welcome UN departments to continue their support and help for China on HIV/AIDS prevention and control," she said.

Wu said the government, with a responsible, open and transparent attitude, would strengthen exchanges and cooperation with international organizations in a bid to curb the spread of AIDS.

Sadik praised the remarkable achievements China had made in HIV/AIDS prevention and control. She said the UN would continue to support China's efforts and was ready to cement cooperation in the prevention, treatment and care of HIV/AIDS cases.

(Xinhua News Agency December 6, 2006)