Chinese President Xi Jinping presents awards to foreigners honored with the China Reform Friendship Medals at a grand gathering to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on December 18, 2018.

President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended a grand gathering to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on December 18, 2018.

The celebration started with everyone rising to sing the national anthem.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, announced a decision to award the personnel who have made outstanding contributions to the country’s reform and opening-up.

According to the decision made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council,100 Chinese citizens were awarded medals as reform pioneers and 10 foreigners were honored with China Reform Friendship Medals.

President Xi delivered an important speech at the meeting.