Lawmakers draft bill to protect national anthem

Lawmakers are drafting a bill on the use of the national anthem to ensure it is regarded as something sacrosanct. The draft is expected to be submitted for its first reading in June, according to the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

"It is imperative that we adopt laws on the national anthem," said Yu Hai, former head of the military band of the People's Liberation Army, who oversaw performances of the national anthem beginning in 1970. Yu is also a national political adviser.

The anthem has various versions, and some people have used it in ways that are deemed disrespectful, Yu said. "That is why a law is needed to protect the anthem."