ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the theoretical foundation for considering HIV/AIDS as a non-traditional security threat. It explains the implications of securitising the disease and discusses HIV/AIDS impacts on the human security of PLWHA and whether current insecurities contribute to the expansion of HIV/AIDS in China. Additionally, it considers the ongoing debate by scholars of International Relations concerning the definitions of human security and their applicability to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. China’s disinclination to adopt the concept of human security and the ramifications of their current frameworks are also considered. It queries whether there is any gap between international human security practice and China’s official state practices in perceiving HIV/AIDS as a non-traditional human security threat. Additionally, Beijing’s current policies concerning non-traditional security and in particular human security threats are examined.
