BEIJING - The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, started a one-day special session to review a draft decision on conferring national medals and honorary titles Tuesday.

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the opening session, which was attended by 162 members of the NPC Standing Committee.

The draft proposed awarding the Medal of the Republic, the Friendship Medal and national honorary titles to outstanding individuals for their contributions to the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the PRC celebrates its 70th founding anniversary this year.

The Medal of the Republic is conferred on prominent figures who have made great contributions and achievements in the building of socialism with Chinese characteristics and in defending the state, while the Friendship Medal is conferred on foreign citizens who have made great contributions to China's socialist modernization, promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and foreign countries and safeguarding world peace.

The national honorary titles are conferred on prominent figures who have made great contributions and enjoy prestige in various fields including the economy, national defense, diplomacy and education.

Titles proposed in the draft include "the people's scientist," "the people's artist," "the people's hero" and "the people's role model."

During panel discussions after the plenary meeting, lawmakers expressed endorsement for the decision.

Granting the highest state honors to role models is conducive to building a stronger sense of national identity among the people, promoting core socialist values and fostering a readiness to respond to the call of the times, the legislators noted.

The selection of award-winners started early this year and the nominations were released to solicit public opinion from Aug 27 to Sept 2.