BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have awarded 71 citizens for their contributions to safeguarding national security.

These people have offered tip-offs via hotlines or official website in recent years, which helped state security organs to prevent, stop and combat all kinds of acts endangering national security, official sources said Tuesday.

Among the commended are Party and government officials, personnel from government-sponsored institutions, enterprise employees, soldiers, college students, community residents, fishermen and farmers, among others.

The award is part of the activities to mark China's National Security Education Day, which falls on April 15.