The decision, however, was immediately met with stern opposition from parents, who claimed that while the selling of condoms could, in some way, prevent the spread of HIV, it will also promote teenage sex, China Daily reported.

Ma Guanghui, the director of the disease control office at the provincial health and family planning committee of Shaanxi, said the decision to allow middle schools to sell condoms on campus was based on in-depth research and months of careful planning.

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But a mother, whose son will soon be entering junior high school, said it is very inappropriate to sell condoms on campus. She said students should learn good values and morality in school instead of becoming curious at how condoms are used, eventually promoting teen sex.

Another woman said that while she wants her son protected from the dreaded HIV virus, she does not understand the government's decision to make condoms available in middle schools.

"Condoms are sold in stores, supermarkets, and shops. Why do we have to peddle condoms in schools? Why can't authorities instead launch information drive to educate students about HIV?" the mother said.

The decision of Shaanxi province was made as HIV/AIDS cases in China continue to increase. According to the National Center for AIDS and STD Control and Prevention, there were only 482 HIV/AIDS cases among young people aged 15 to 24 in 2008. The number of cases, however, rose to 1,387 in 2012.

Shaanxi province is targeting to decrease the number of new HIV cases by 25 percent by the end of next year and selling condoms is just part of the many efforts that the province will undertake to achieve the target, said Liu Ling, the deputy director of the province's health and family planning committee.