Beijing will ban drug addicts and HIV carriers from joining the army starting the winter of this year, Beijing municipal draft office said Thursday.

Those who hope to be enlisted in the army must take drug and HIV tests, the first time for enrollment, in medical check from this winter, according to the office.

"And those whose tests show positive results will not be allowed to join the army," the office said, adding that it was an order by China's Ministry of Defense.

Beijing will start this year's enrollment and medical check in early November, the office said. 

(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2005)