Awards for merit must gain prior approval

The national coordination group for appraisal and recognition work has clarified what types of activities for selecting people for awards and their conferment violate regulations.

The group said in a statement released on Wednesday that with the Party and the country's merit recognition system continuously perfected over the years, selection and awarding events have become increasingly standardized, which has helped vigorously promote core socialist values and boost reverence for heroes, talented individuals and pioneers.

However, a small number of companies, institutions and individuals have held commendation activities in violation of regulations, including some that even took advantage of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China for personal gain, adding to the financial pressure on members of the public and causing a grave social impact, it said.

The group decided to clarify the criteria under which such activities would be deemed illegitimate. They include the use of expressions such as "country", "global", "world", "national" or words of similar meanings without approval, and also include holding them around meetings, major events or other important times in the name of the Party, the government, the military or civil organizations without approval.

The statement said profit-oriented and commercial commendation activity is not allowed.

Medals that are designed, manufactured and sold illegally will not be recognized and those who publicize illegitimate activities will be held accountable.