Chinese lawmakers prescribes 15-day jail term for mockers of Chinese national anthem

China has passed a law against mocking the national anthem, with cheeky singers facing up to 15 days in jail , state media reported Friday , a move that comes among a broadening crackdown on political dissent.

From National Day on October 1 , the song can only be played at formal occasions , according to the official Xinhua news agency , quoting a copy of the law just passed by the country ’ s rubberstamp legislature , the National People ’ s Congress.

“ The March of the Volunteers ” can no longer be played as background music in public places and “ inappropriate” private performances of the song are also forbidden , it said.

Written in 1935 before the Communist Party took power and officially adopted in 1982 , the buoyant , military - minded score calls on the Chinese people to “ march on ” towards the establishment of a new nation .

Anyone who “ maliciously ” modifies the lyrics — which begin “ Arise , ye who refuse to be slaves! — can be tossed into jail for up to 15 days , Xinhua said.

The new legislation follows regulations on national anthem etiquette that were announced in 2014 to “ enhance the song’ s role in cultivating core socialist values ”.

These values are part of the ruling Communist Party ’ s ongoing “ patriotic education ” campaign to strengthen its legitimacy — but which critics condemn as little more than brainwashing.

The ideological push has intensified since President Xi Jinping took power in 2012 , as the leader has stressed infusing every aspect of Chinese education with “ patriotic spirit ”.

Social media users on Weibo — China ’ s Twitter - like microblogging website — expressed their support for the anthem law.

“ Support !!! Now many people ridicule the nation . I can ’ t bear it . I strongly support this , ” one wrote .

New , highly restrictive measures on freedom of speech have multiplied in recent months , ahead of the Communist Party ’ s autumn congress , a critical meeting for Xi who is expected to be re - elected for a second term as head of the ruling party.