China has conducted its second phase of clinical trials of a vaccine for HIV/AIDS. This is the first time experts are assessing the safety and efficiency of the vaccine in high-risk groups.

More than 230 volunteers took part in this second phase in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Scientists are expected to decide, based on results, whether to go ahead with a third phase of trials.

If a third phase is carried out, it will evaluate the vaccine's effectiveness on a large number of people.

China started research on a vaccine for the AIDS virus in 1996.