P.R.C. Law on State Medals and State Honorary Titles

Order of the President of the PRC
（No. 38）

The "Law of the People’s Republic of China on State Medals and State Honorary Titles", having been adopted by the 18th Session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China on December 27, 2015, is hereby promulgated to take effect on January 1, 2016.

Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China
December 27, 2015

P.R.C. Law on State Medals and State Honorary Titles

(Adopted by the 18th Session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress on December 27, 2015)

Article 1: This Law is formulated on the basis of the Constitution so as to honor distinguished individuals who make outstanding contributions to the establishment of socialism with Chinese characteristics, to carry forward the national spirit and zeitgeist, to spur the enthusiasm of Chinese people of all ethnicities in building a moderninzed socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, civil, and harmonious, and bring about the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Article 2: State medals and State honorary titles are the highest State honors.

This Law applies to the establishment and conferral of State medals and State honorary titles.

Article 3: The State establishes the “Medal of the Republic,” to be conferred upon distinguished individuals who have made enormous contributions and performed remarkable feats in the building of socialism with Chinese characteristics and in defending the State.

The State establishes the “Medal of Friendship,” to be conferred upon foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to China’s socialist modernization and the promotion of Chinese-foreign exchanges and cooperation, or preservation of world peace.

Article 4: The State establishes State honorary titles, to be conferred upon distinguished individuals who have made major contributions and enjoy renown in all fields and all industries, such as economy, society, national defense, diplomacy, education, science and technology, culture, health, and sports.

State honorary titles are to be prefixed with “People’s,” and may also use other names. The specific names of State honorary titles are to be determined by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress when deciding to confer them.

Article 5: Based on recommendations from all sectors, the Council of Chairpersons of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress is to submit motions on conferring State medals or State honorary titles to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

The State Council and the Central Military Commission may submit motions on conferring State medals or State honorary titles to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

Article 6: The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress is to decide on the conferrals of State medals and State honorary titles.

Article 7: Based on the decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the President of the People’s Republic China is to confer State medals and State honorary titles upon their recipients and sign and issue certificates.

Article 8: In conducting State affairs, the President of the People’s Republic of China may directly confer the “Medal of Friendship” upon individuals such as foreign dignitaries and international friends.

Article 9: The States performs ceremonies to confer State medals and State honorary titles on National Day or on other major holidays or anniversaries; and, when necessary, may perform ceremonies to confer State medals and State honorary titles at other times.

Article 10: The State is to establish a State Book of Achievements to record the recipients of State medals and State honorary titles and their accomplishments.

Article 11: The recipients of State medals and State honorary titles shall be respected by the State and society, and enjoy stately and courteous reception, such as being invited to State celebrations and other major events and such benefits as prescribed by the State.

Article 12: The State and society are to publicize the remarkable achievements and outstanding feats of the recipients of State medals and State honorary titles in various forms.

Article 13: State medals and State honorary titles are to be enjoyed by their recipients for life, except as otherwise revoked in accordance with the provisions of this Law.

Article 14: The recipients of State medals and State honorary titles shall wear State medals and emblems of State honorary titles according to regulations, and properly keep their medals, emblems, and certificates.

Article 15: Where the recipients of State medals and State honorary titles pass away, their medals, emblems, and certificates are to be kept by their heirs or designated persons; and, where there is no heir or designated person, may be deposited with the State.

State medals, and the emblems and certificates of State honorary titles, must not be sold, leased, or used for other for-profit activities.

Article 16: Where individuals who have made outstanding contributions during their lifetimes and meet the conditions for conferring State medals or State honorary titles as prescribed by this Law, pass away after this Law takes effect, they may be posthumously awarded State medals or State honorary titles.

Article 17: The recipients of State medals and State honorary titles shall cherish and maintain the honor bestowed by the State, abide by the Constitution and laws in an exemplary manner, strive to serve the people, and consciously safeguard the reputation of State medals and State honorary titles.

Article 18: Where recipients of State medals and State honorary titles are given criminal punishments in accordance with the law for committing crimes, or commit other serious violations of law or discipline, and their continued enjoyment of the State medals or State honorary titles will seriously damage the reputation of the highest honors of the State, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress is to make a decision revoking their State medals or State honorary titles and publicly announce it.

Article 19: Specific matters relating to State medals and State honorary titles are to be addressed by the relevant State working body for the recognition of achievements and honors.

Article 20: The State Council and the Central Military Commission may carry out work to recognize and reward achievements and honors within the scope of their respective functions and powers.

Article 21: This Law takes effect on January 1, 2016.