Medal symbolizes spirit of friendship

President Xi Jinping will confer the first Friendship Medal ever awarded at the Great Hall of the People on Friday, part of the honors system that was established last July.

The gold and blue medal featuring a flying dove, the Earth and clasped hands, all surrounded by a lotus in bloom, symbolizing harmony, represents friendship between Chinese people and foreigners.

Together with the medal is a chain with the elements of a Chinese knot, evergreens, peony, jade and orchid.