3rd March 2025: I was offered a role in Shanghai and disclosed my status to the business when it came to applying for the Z Visa. They were very supportive and spoke with the China Entry and Exit Inspection and Control and a specialist lawyer.
The definitive answer is that NO, YOU CANNOT GET A RESIDENCY PERMIT WITH HIV, regardless of whether you’re undetectable. HIV status is screened as part of the mandatory medical examination process and likely you won’t even get that far in the process as you have to disclose your status on the Z Visa application form.
There is no workaround and it cannot be avoided through non-disclosure at any stage.
You can travel to China as a tourist but it is an unequivocal no with regards to gaining the necessary permissions for working there on a Z Visa.