Medal of the Republic
The Medal of the Republic is the highest honorary medal of the People's Republic of China. The bestowal is decided by the Standing Committee of [the National People's Congress] and presented by the President of the [People's Republic of China|President of China]. According to law, this medal is bestowed on "outstanding individuals who have made great contributions and established outstanding merits in the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics and defense of the country."
On 27 December 2015, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed a law establishing three national orders of merit: the Medal of the Republic, the National Honorary Titles, and the Friendship Medal, effective on 1 January 2016.