In his speech, President Xi Jinping expressed his warm congratulations to the awardees honored at today's ceremony. 

The ceremony aims to carry forward the spirit of loyalty, perseverance and modesty, says Xi. 

Heroes demonstrate that greatness comes from the ordinary, says Xi, adding that ordinary work can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn delivers a speech on behalf of those awarded the Medal of Friendship.

Scientist Huang Xuhua delivers a speech at the ceremony on behalf of those awarded the Medal of the Republic. 

"The medal is not just for me, but for everyone who have dedicated their careers to Chinese submarines," says Huang.

President Xi presents medals to the awardees.

Wang Huning, host of the ceremony, reads a presidential decree signed by President Xi to award 42 individuals with either the Medal of the Republic, the Friendship Medal or national honorary titles.

The awarding ceremony has begun at the Great Hall of the People.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and the awardees have entered the Golden Hall. 

Backgrounder: Six foreigners awarded the Friendship Medal

Six foreigners are awarded the Friendship Medal for their great contributions to supporting China's socialist modernization, promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and foreign countries and safeguarding world peace.

Backgrounder: Eight awardees of the Medal of the Republic

The eight awardees of the Medal of the Republic are deceased nuclear physicist Yu Min, longtime national legislator Shen Jilan, aerospace engineer Sun Jiadong, war veterans Li Yannian and Zhang Fuqing, "father of hybrid rice" Yuan Longping, nuclear submarine designer Huang Xuhua and Nobel Prize winner Tu Youyou who led the discovery of malaria drug artemisinin.

A welcome ceremony is being held in front of the Great Hall of the People.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will grant national medals and honorary titles to the honorees and deliver a speech at a ceremony to be held in the Great Hall of the People on Sunday morning.

The awardees are now on their way to the ceremony. Stay tuned to CGTN for more.