The bestowal is decided by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and presented by the President of China.

[4][5] The Medal of the Republic adopts an overall color scheme of red and gold.

The badge features the National Emblem and the five-pointed star, as well as symbolic representations of the Yellow River, the Yangtze, mountain peaks, and peonies (specifically the mǔdān 牡丹, or Paeonia × suffruticosa).

The chain incorporates motifs inspired by the Chinese knot (中国结), the ruyi (如意), and orchid.

Various metalworking techniques, including cold-press forging, filigree inlay, and enamelling, are involved in the process of its production.