BEIJING, Sept. 29 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday extended warm congratulations and high respects to recipients of China's highest state honors ahead of the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a ceremony held to award the Medal of the Republic, the Friendship Medal, and medals of national honorary titles at the Great Hall of the People.