People who disrespect China's national anthem will be given a sentence of up to three years in prison, according to a revised law approved on Saturday.

The revised Chinese Criminal Law, which was passed at the bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, also stipulates that those who intentionally damage the national anthem, such as by distorting its lyrics or tampering with it disrespectfully in public places, also will face detention or deprivation of political rights.

The new article was added in the law's revision with the aim of regulating people's behavior while singing the anthem and upholding respect to the song. It became effective Saturday.

Previously, the law applied to people who disrespected the national emblem and flag. Violators were given a criminal penalty, including a sentence of up to three years in jail.

China's national anthem, March of the Volunteers, was composed in 1935 and named as the national anthem in 1949.