China's top legislature is considering awarding medals to foreigners who have made important contributions to national development.
The proposal was tabled to the bimonthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee for a first reading on Monday.
According to the draft, the president will be able to bestow the medals on foreigners who have "contributed to socialist construction with Chinese characteristics, promoted China's exchange and cooperation with the world, and helped maintain world peace."
The Medal of the Republic will honor people who have played an outstanding role in the country's social development and defense construction, said Li Shishi, director of the NPC Standing Committee's legislative affairs commission.
Other medals will be rewards for prominent figures in education, culture, sports, science and technology, and defence, according to the draft law.
