The Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on Tuesday posthumously awarded the title of "Role Model of the Times" to two officials who devoted their lives to the development of rural areas.

One of the recipients, Qiu Jun, fell ill at work in November and died in January at the age of 39.

Qiu originally worked as an official at China National Chemical Engineering Group in East China's Anhui province.

In 2018, he volunteered to go to Huachi county in Northwest China's Gansu province and served as the county's deputy head, committing himself to lifting the place out of poverty.

China National Chemical Engineering Group said Qiu overcame drastic changes in the natural environment, culture and job responsibilities and quickly familiarized himself with conditions in the county by diving into field research in 15 towns and villages.

After gaining overall knowledge of the county, he tapped into local features and led the development of dairy farming as the pillar industry, helping local people shake off poverty.

The other recipient was Sun Limei, former Party secretary of Guxian village in Xiapu county, Fujian province. She died early last month at the age of 44 during typhoon relief efforts.

She was also posthumously awarded the title "March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter", an honor that recognizes outstanding women in China, by the All-China Women's Federation, as well as "Outstanding Communist Party Member of Fujian".

The Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee said on Tuesday that Qiu and Sun worked on the front line of poverty alleviation and rural vitalization.

"They were excellent Party members, cadres and role models who served and were dedicated to the grassroots, took up their responsibilities and worked hard," it said.

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