China Makes Disrespecting their National Anthem a Crime

China’s national flag is seen behind hostesses waiting for delegates outside the Great Hall of the People during the second plenary session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing, China March 8, 2017

China makes disrespect of national anthem a crime

BEIJING: Anyone who mocks China’s national anthem faces up to 15 days in police detention after parliament criminalised such acts in a new law on Friday (Sep 1) that covers Hong Kong and Macau.

Since taking over as president, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has ushered in new legislation aimed at securing the country from threats both within and outside its borders, besides presiding over a sweeping crackdown on dissent and free speech.

Protecting “the dignity of the national anthem” will help “promote patriotism and nurture socialist core values”, says the new law passed by the National People’s Congress (NPC).