The late Lee Kuan Yew has been honoured by China posthumously.

On Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, the first prime minister of Singapore was awarded the China Reform Friendship Medal, The Straits Times reported.

Among 10 foreigners

Lee was one of the 10 foreigners honoured at the ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People.

He was recognised for his role in pushing for Singapore's "deep involvement" in China's reform and opening-up journey on the 40th anniversary of that movement.

1978 reform

President Xi Jinping paid tribute to those who have made outstanding contributions to the reform and opening-up movement, which was launched by Deng Xiaoping in 1978.

In that year, Deng's visit to Singapore was historic, as other countries adopted a wait-and-see approach to China. Lee and Deng then developed a life-long friendship.

Deng said that year that China should learn from Singapore's modernisation experience when Singapore was barely 13 years into nationhood.

Chinese nationals recognised as well

Among the 10 foreigners honoured were Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, and Robert Kuhn, a long-time adviser to China's leaders and the Chinese government.

President Xi's speech was addressed to hundreds of officials, business leaders and diplomats.

He characterised China's journey as a storm-tossed journey and one of hacking through brambles and thorns, according to ST.

Another 100 Chinese nationals were given the China Reform Pioneer Award for their outstanding contributions to the past 40 years of reform and opening up.

Alibaba founder Jack Ma, former NBA basketball player Yao Ming, search engine Baidu's founder Robin Li and former World Health Organization director-general Margaret Chan, were among those recognisable names who were on stage to receive the awards

In the last four decades, all sectors of Chinese society were transformed from a traditional planned economy to a socialist market economy.

In its latest incarnation, it is seen as a rising force competing in the ranks of traditional superpowers comprising of the United States and European countries.

Photos AP & National Archives of Singapore