Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded the nation’s highest honors on Sunday, ahead of the country’s National Day, urging citizens to learn from heroes and role models to unite in building a stronger China.
At a grand ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Xi presented medals to recipients of national medals and honorary titles in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, which falls on October 1.
Among those honored were four individuals awarded the Medal of the Republic, including veteran war hero Huang Zongde and medical scientist Wang Zhenyi. Ten others, such as border patrol officer Bayika Kalidibek, technician Xu Zhenchao, and renowned actress Tian Hua, received national honorary titles.
Dilma Rousseff, former president of Brazil and current president of the New Development Bank, was bestowed with the Friendship Medal for her contributions to strengthening ties between China and Brazil.
In his address, President Xi, who also serves as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, highlighted the twin miracles achieved under the CPC’s leadership: rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.
“The country is now in a crucial period for building a great modern socialist country in all respects and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization,” he stated.
He called upon all Party members and people of all ethnic groups to “take heroes and role models as examples, unite and strive forward to form a mighty force to build a strong China.”
Emphasizing personal responsibility, Xi added, “We should be loyal to the country, love the country, integrate personal development goals into the overall national development, and realize personal value in fulfilling duties for the country and serving the people.”
President Xi encouraged citizens to hone their skills, strive for extraordinary achievements in ordinary positions, and contribute to overcoming challenges related to development and reform while safeguarding social harmony and stability.
“A great era calls for heroes and fosters heroes. A galaxy of heroes emerging generation after generation will ensure the lasting success of the Party and the people’s cause,” he remarked.
Praising Rousseff as an outstanding representative of China’s international friends, Xi expressed that the Chinese people will always remember those who have made significant contributions to the country’s development and international friendship.
In response, Huang Zongde, 93, expressed that the honor belongs to every member of the people’s armed forces and all the heroes who sacrificed their lives for China’s national independence and prosperity.
Rousseff, in her address, shared that the medal fills her with immense honor, pledging continued efforts to strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation between Brazil and China.
Approximately 1,000 people attended the ceremony, including senior leaders Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng. The event was presided over by Cai Qi.
Following the ceremony, President Xi and other leaders took group photos with the award recipients.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
