There is a song we all can sing—March of the Volunteers(《义勇军进行曲》). It was composed in 1935 by Tian Han and Nie Er as the theme song of the movie Children of Trouble Time(风云儿女). It was taken as the national anthem(国歌) in 1949.
We learn it at the beginning of primary school and sing it at every flag-raising ceremony(仪式). Now, there is a law to protect the song.
On Sept 1, 2017, the government passed the National Anthem Law and it took effect from Oct 1 in the same year. It stated how we should sing or play the song, requiring all Chinese to respect it.
According to the law, the song will only be allowed to play at nine situations，such as major sporting events, award ceremonies and flag-raising: ceremonies. It shouldn't be used at personal funerals(葬礼) or as background music in public places.
Moreover, the law requires Chinese to be serious when singing the song. We can neither joke about the song nor change the song's words or music. If someone breaks the law, he or she can be detained(拘留) for up to 15 days or held criminally liable(负刑事责任)
Many foreign countries also have laws for their national anthems. For example, US people should put the right hand over their hearts while singing the song. In Russia, the national anthem must be played on television and radio before the start and the end of broadcasting(节目播出).
