Call to protect the national anthem
Print Edition
INAPPROPRIATE use of China’s national anthem could mean up to 15 days in detention, according to a draft law.
It would make it illegal to play the anthem at funerals and other “improper” occasions, such as in advertisements or as background music in public places, as well as to “maliciously” modify its wording or present it in a “distorted or disrespectful” way.
The draft was given a second hearing yesterday by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s legislature.
Passage in a third hearing is required for it to become law.
The song will only be allowed at formal political gatherings, including the opening and closing of NPC sessions, constitutional oath ceremonies, flag-raising ceremonies, major celebrations, award ceremonies, commemorations, national memorial day events, important diplomatic occasions, major sport events and other occasions deemed suitable.
Despite the restrictions, the law would also encourage people to sing the anthem on appropriate occasions to express their patriotism and it says the song should be included in textbooks for primary and secondary school students.
Currently, without a law that standardizes national anthem etiquette, the song is sometimes used in an unsolemn manner and is not universally respected and cherished.
China adopted laws covering its national flag in 1990 and national emblem in 1991, but has none for its “March of the Volunteers” anthem with music by Nie Er and lyrics by poet Tian Han.
The original song is said to have greatly encouraged Chinese soldiers and civilians during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945).
It was chosen as the national anthem in September 1949, and broadcast across the world when the then Chairman Mao Zedong declared the founding of People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
It was revised in 1978 and, in 1982, “March of the Volunteers” was reaffirmed as the national anthem.
Legislation governing the use of the national anthem is feasible, necessary and of great significance to foster and practice socialist core values and to promote the patriotism-centered spirit of the nation, said Zhang Haiyang, deputy head of the NPC’s Law Committee.
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