Law to protect national anthem to take effect from Oct 1

People who distort or disrespect the national anthem will face criminal punishments, according to China's National Anthem Law.

The law has been approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, on Friday, and will take effective from Oct 1.

In the law, people who maliciously change the national anthem's lyrics and music, distort or insult the song, could face up to 15-day administrative detention, and those in serious situations will be criminally penalized.

The law aims to uphold the respect of people to the national anthem, as well as to regulate ways people sing or play the song.

For example, it clarifies nine situations in which the national anthem should be played, such as in important sport or diplomatic events, or in ceremonies of governmental departments.

Meanwhile, the law also states the anthem should not be used as a trademark, on commercial advertisements or as background music in public places, and it cannot be broadcasted in private funerals.

The official version of the national anthem is ordered to be disclosed on websites of the State Council and the national people's congress.

The law was first reviewed by the legislature in June. China's national anthem, March of the Volunteer, was composed in 1935, with lyrics written by poet Tian Han and music composed by Nie Er. The song encouraged Chinese soldiers and residents during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), and it was named as the national anthem in 1949.