BEIJING, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President and Chairman of the Central Military Commission Hu Jintao has signed a decree awarding merits and honorary titles to three units and nine individuals.

    A first class merit was awarded to an air defence brigade of the Beijing Military Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA)for its achievements in technological innovation and excellence in army building.

    A second class merit was given to a division of the Jinan Military Command for its efforts in improving fighting experience and capacity, especially for their performance in the Sino-Russian joint military drill in 2005.

    Three individuals receiving first class merits were: Yao Zhixiang, a senior engineer with the Qinghai-Tibet military depot; the late Hu Wei, a senior engineer with an institute under the Academy of Armored Forces Engineering of the PLA; and Zhang Jincheng, a professor with the PLA's 2nd artillery command academy.

    Another four individuals were awarded second class merits for their devotion to work or academic accomplishments.

    A department of the General Hospital of the PLA won the honorary title of "model medicare group."

    Liu Zhengchong, a senior engineer with the PLA General Armaments Department, was awarded the honorary title of "model for science and technology innovation", while the late Wang Qingping, a deputy political instructor of a unit with the Shanghai Garrison received the honorary title of "model grassroots cadre" for training personnel.