Tuesday in China, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan invoked the specter of a full-blown AIDS epidemic in the nation for the second straight day. Only a broad base of support can thwart HIV/AIDS in the world's most populous country, Annan told a round-table meeting of women's groups, the Red Cross and representatives of Chinese non-governmental organizations. "It takes a partnership, particularly in a country like this, and complete mobilization of society. The government leaders I have spoken with since I came here have indicated their own commitment, but we can't leave it at that level alone," Annan said. "We have to accept that this is not just a medical problem. It is a development problem. It is becoming a security problem. And it really can destroy societies," Annan said. "We need all hands on deck." Annan's two-day trip to China is part of his annual visits to the five permanent UN Security Council members.

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