BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed orders to award merit citations to four individuals and one military unit.

Wang Dong, a professor with the Naval University of Engineering, Hou Lijun, a professor and director of the neurosurgery department of the second hospital affiliated to the former Second Military Medical University, and He Yuanzhi, a researcher with the Academy of Military Sciences, were honored with first-class merit citations.

Hu Changhua, a professor with the Rocket Force University of Engineering, was awarded a third-class merit citation.

Troop 96717 of the People's Liberation Army was honored with a second-class merit citation.