A unit of the Chinese People's Armed Police (PAP) and a Chinese doctor have been honored for their outstanding contributions to the country and the international community.

The honors were given by Wen Jiabao, Chinese Premier, and Hu Jintao, Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

In the last 10 years, the Jinggangshan Squadron under the PAP General Office of Jiangxi Province, east China, watched over 12,000 prisoners, arrested some 210 wanted criminals, and rescued more than 190 people in emergencies.

They also planted more than 30,000 trees in the area where they are stationed and gave military training to more than 25,000 students and workers, winning the respect of local people.

The State Council and the CPC Central Military Commission called on all police, armed police and officers and enlisted men to learn from the squadron and continue safeguarding social stability and peace.

Zheng Jingchen, 47, the vice president of the General Hospital of the PAP, has headed five medical teams to remote regions such as Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and other countries including Algeria, saving many lives in the last five years.

After the 2004 tsunami, Zheng's team treated more than 11,000 Indonesians and saved 440 critically ill patients, winning praise from the Indonesian government and people.

(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2006)