Xi signs order awarding national medals, honorary titles to 15 individuals

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday signed a presidential order to award national medals and national honorary titles to 15 individuals on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The order came after the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, voted to adopt a decision to confer the honors during a meeting earlier in the day.

Four people were awarded the Medal of the Republic.

Wang Yongzhi, a missile and rocket expert and a pioneer of China's manned space program, was honored posthumously.

The other three honorees are Wang Zhenyi, a medical scientist known for breakthroughs in leukemia treatment; Li Zhensheng, an expert in wheat breeding; and Huang Zongde, a war veteran.

Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian president, was awarded the Friendship Medal.

Ten individuals were awarded national honorary titles.

The title of People's Scientist was conferred on Wang Xiaomo, a late renowned radar expert and a pioneer in China's early warning aircraft development, and Zhao Zhongxian, a well-known scientist in high-temperature superconductivity research.

Bayika Kalidibek, a veteran border patrolman of the Tajik ethnic group in northwest China's Xinjiang, was honored with the title of People's Guard.

The title of People's Artist was conferred on actress Tian Hua, whose portrayal of iconic female characters in early Chinese cinema has left a lasting impact on the industry.

Xu Zhenchao, an accomplished technician recognized for advancements in container handling technology, was awarded the title of People's Craftsman.

Zhang Jinfan, a prominent jurist and legal educator on China's legal history, and Huang Danian, a late distinguished strategic scientist and geophysicist, were granted the title of People's Educator.

The title of People's Health Worker was conferred on Lu Shengmei, a doctor with a longstanding commitment to improving healthcare in less-developed regions, especially in promoting safer childbirth practices and reducing infant mortality.

Zhang Zhuoyuan, an influential economist with significant contributions to market economy research, was honored with the title of Outstanding Contributor to Economic Research.

Zhang Xielin, a celebrated table tennis player and coach, was awarded the title of Outstanding Contributor to Sports.