Foreigners in China could be eligible for the title of "National Model Worker," one of China's highest honors, under a draft regulation that was opened to public submissions Tuesday.

The draft on commendations and awards, drawn up by the State Council, China's Cabinet, states that foreigners who have made remarkable contributions to China's socialist modernization can be honored.

According to the regulation, all nominees for the award should work on the frontline or in the grassroots and the laureates will be given material rewards.

However, a notice on the official State Council website gave no other details of the draft.

If the regulation is approved, the honor, usually restricted to Chinese citizens, will be open to people from other countries for the first time.

The notice did not reveal when it would be tabled for approval.

The nationwide honors system was initiated in 1950 and has been held once every five years since 1989, in a bid to pick out exemplary figures from millions of the country's working people.

Individuals and groups can be honored as "National Model Workers" and "National Advanced Groups" if they make great contributions in areas such as the national economy, democratic politics, Chinese culture, environmental protection and national security.

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