China held a high-profile ceremony on Sunday to award its highest state honors ahead of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Veteran war hero Huang Zongde, recipient of the Medal of the Republic, said, "I am a revolutionary veteran. General Secretary Xi Jinping personally awarded me the Medal of the Republic, which represents the highest national honor. This is not just my honor; it belongs to every member of the Chinese People's Liberation Army."