China's national anthem can no longer be performed at weddings, funerals, balls or other non-political functions and should only be performed at certain dignified events, state media has reported.

The rule is to "standardise proper etiquette for the national anthem", the official Xinhua news agency said.

The March Of The Volunteers may be played at important celebrations or public political gatherings, formal diplomatic occasions or significant international gatherings. People who break the rules will be "criticised and corrected", Xinhua said.