China's parliament on Monday began considering an amendment to stiffen punishments for showing "disrespect" to the national anthem, which could bring violators as long as three years in prison.

A draft amendment for amending the Criminal Law was submitted on Monday at the bi-monthly session of the parliament, or National People's Congress (NPC), standing committee, reported the official Xinhua news agency.

"Violators in this regard may face punishments of up to three years of imprisonment," Xinhua quoted the draft as saying.

This follows a new national anthem law that came into effect on China's national day, October 1, that cracks down on "inappropriate" use of the national anthem, such as playing the anthem at private functions or for commercial purposes, or modifying lyrics.

The law called for 15 days detention for any violations, which the amendment now wants to extend to up to 3 years.

The national anthem law said the anthem "shall be sung at formal political gatherings, including the opening and closing of National People's Congress sessions, constitutional oath ceremonies, flag raising ceremonies, major celebrations, awards ceremonies, commemorations, national memorial day events, important diplomatic occasions, major sport events and other suitable occasions, according to the law."

"It is now illegal to use the national anthem during funerals, inappropriate private occasions, commercials or as background music in public places," the law said.

The law said "violators, including those who maliciously modify the lyrics, play or sing the national anthem in a distorted or disrespectful way, can be detained for up to 15 days, even be held criminally liable".

China's anthem, called "March of the Volunteers", was chosen in 1949 when the People's Republic of China was established.

WATCH VIDEO | Disrespecting national anthem may soon lead to 3-year jail term in China