BEIJING -- China held a meeting Tuesday morning in Beijing to commend role models in the country's fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presented medals to recipients of the Medal of the Republic and the national honorary title at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi also delivered a speech at the meeting, attended by about 3,000 people.

China has made major strategic achievements in the battle against COVID-19, demonstrating the notable advantages of the CPC leadership and the country's socialist system, the great strength of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation, the profound heritage of Chinese civilization, and the nation's sense of responsibility as a major and responsible country, Xi said.

He called for transforming the virus-fighting spirit into tremendous strength to build a modern socialist country and achieve national rejuvenation.

The meeting was presided over by Li Keqiang and attended by other senior leaders: Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan.

The meeting started with all participants rising to sing the national anthem. The participants then observed a moment of silence for every life lost due to COVID-19.

Li Zhanshu read a presidential order to confer the Medal of the Republic and the national honorary title on four medical professionals.

Renowned respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan received the Medal of the Republic, the highest state honor.

The national honorary title, "the People's Hero," was conferred on three other outstanding medical professionals: