Xi awards national medals, honorary degrees

Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded the highest state honors ahead of National Day on Sunday, calling on the nation to learn from heroes and role models to join forces to build a strong China.

At the same time, Xi, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CCP) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, presented medals to the winners of national medals and honorary titles at the ceremony held before the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It falls on October 1.

Four people were awarded the Republic Medal, including veteran war hero Huang Zongde and medical scientist Wang Zhenyi. Ten people were awarded national honorary titles, including border patrolman Bayika Kalidibek, technician Xu Zhenchao and acclaimed actress Tian Hua.

Dilma Rousseff, former president of Brazil and president of the New Development Bank, received the Medal of Friendship.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said the CCP has led the Chinese people in creating the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.

He said that the country is now at a crucial period in building a great modern socialist country in all respects and achieving national revival through Chinese modernization.

“All Party members and people of all ethnic groups should take the example of heroes and role models, unite and strive to form a great force to build a strong China,” Xi said. he said.

Xi emphasized that the desire to grow the country should be kept in mind. “We must be loyal to the country, love the country, integrate personal development goals into overall national development, realize personal value in performing duties for the country and serving the people,” he said.

He encouraged Chinese people to improve their skills and contribute to building a strong China.

He called on them to strive for extraordinary achievements in ordinary job positions and contribute to overcoming challenges related to development and reform while maintaining social harmony and stability.

“A great age calls heroes and nourishes heroes. A galaxy of heroes emerging from generation to generation will ensure the lasting success of the Party and the people’s cause,” Xi said.

Praising Rousseff as an outstanding representative of China’s old and good friends, Xi said the Chinese people will never forget their international friends who have made significant contributions to the country’s development and friendship between China and foreign peoples.

He added that the Chinese people are ready to work together with people from various countries to maintain world peace and promote common development.

Speaking at the ceremony, 93-year-old Huang Zongde said that this honor belongs to every member of the people’s armed forces and all the heroes who sacrificed their lives for China’s national independence, the people’s liberation and the effort to bring China to prosperity and prosperity. strong.

In her speech, Rousseff stated that the medal fills her with great honor and promised that efforts will continue to help strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation between Brazil and China.

The ceremony, presided over by Cai Qi, was attended by nearly 1,000 people, including senior leaders Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng.

After the ceremony, Xi and other leaders took a group photo with the awardees.