BEIJING - China will promote a system that honors outstanding contributors with medals, honorary titles and citations.

A guideline on establishing and improving honor systems for the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the state was adopted by the CPC Central Committee's political bureau on Monday.

"A person who contributes meritorious service to the Party, the country and the people and sets a sublime spiritual example deserves high honor and the respect of the entire Party and society," said a statement released after a meeting of the political bureau.

The meeting was presided over by CPC Central Committee General Secretary Xi Jinping.

According to the statement, the guideline covers the types of honors, selection and awarding procedures as well as ensuing favorable treatments.

"The honor system must be implemented with strict standards so as to make the honors able to stand the test of practice, people and history," according to the statement.

Earlier this year, the top legislature reviewed a draft law on a national system of honors. Yet to be approved, the draft enables the president to give medals to foreigners who have "contributed to socialist construction with Chinese characteristics, promoted China's exchange and cooperation with the world, and helped maintain world peace."