[2] On September 15, 1955, the Chinese government decreed that each departing Soviet expert be issued a medal.

[3] This medal featured the flags of China and the Soviet Union along with the inscription "Long live the Sino-Soviet Friendship" (Chinese: 中苏友谊万岁; pinyin: Zhōng–Sū Yǒuyì Wànsuì).

During the period that followed, in particular the Cultural Revolution, foreigners in China were often regarded as "spies" and very few remained in the country.

[5] The award is conferred as part of the celebrations for the National Day of the People's Republic of China (October 1).

The medal is decorated with a picture of the Great Wall on the obverse along with the inscription "Friendship Award" in Chinese ("友谊奖", on the top), and in English (on the bottom).