"Offshore extraction is full of challenges. Generation after generation of offshore oil workers have struggled and fought bravely, passing down a model work ethic and the spirit of quality workmanship," Chen said, vowing to fulfill the mission and glory of workers in the new era with concrete actions.

Monday's event was the 17th State-level award ceremony for national model workers and exemplary individuals. The first such award ceremony was held in 1950, and the event has been held every five years since 1995.

Apart from those working in traditional sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, those honored included representatives of new professions such as delivery service.

Gao Feng, a Meituan deliveryman, who was recognized as a national model worker this year, said the State-level honor fully demonstrates the care and concern of the Party and the country for the new workforce.

"I feel that the power of an individual may be little, but the power of a group is immense. This award does not belong to me alone, but also belongs to our entire group," he said.

As May 1 marks International Workers' Day, President Xi also extended festive greetings and best wishes to the country's working people.