China bans singing of its National Anthem at weddings & funerals

THe Government of China has banned singing of its National Anthem at weddings and funerals, Chinese Xinhua News Agency reports. 

According to the statement on Xinhua, China’s national anthem can no longer be performed at weddings, funerals, balls or other non-political functions. They can now only be performed at certain dignified events.

The anthem, known as the March of the Volunteers' may be played at the start of important celebrations or public political gatherings, formal diplomatic occasions or significant international gatherings.

The anthem can also be performed when Chinese athletes win medals and “at arenas where national dignity should be fought for and safeguarded".

The Chinese government said the reason is to “standardize proper etiquette for the national anthem, which reflects national independence and liberation, a prosperous, strong country and the affluence of the people”

People who break the rules will be “criticized and corrected“, Xinhua added.