China considers national anthem law

A national flag raising ceremony is held in Great Hinggan Mountains, Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, on Jan 2, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

BEIJING - Chinese lawmakers are drafting a bill on the use of the national anthem, the Commission for Legislative Affairs of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee said Monday.

The draft law is expected to be submitted for its first reading at the bimonthly session of the NPC Standing Committee scheduled for June.

China adopted laws covering its national flag and national emblem in 1990 and 1991 respectively. The national anthem is "March of the Volunteers," with lyrics by poet Tian Han and music composed by Nie Er.

Authorities issued a regulation on proper etiquette for the national anthem in 2014, banning the song from being performed at weddings, funerals and entertainment activities such as balls or other non-political functions.

Under China's Advertisement Law, the national anthem is off limits to advertisers.