Kuhn was awarded the China Reform Friendship Medal by President Xi Jinping and Chinese leaders at the celebration of the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up (December 18, 2018). The medal, China’s highest award, honors 10 foreigners who facilitated China’s reform and opening up over the four decades. Five of the foreigners are living; Kuhn is one of two Americans. For 30 years, Kuhn, with his long-time partner Adam Zhu, has worked with China’s state leaders and advised the Chinese government.