China regulates martyrs' burials

China's Ministry of Civil Affairs has issued regulations to ensure decent burial of martyrs, protect their family members' rights and promote heroic spirits among the public, a spokesman said on Wednesday.Each year, China recognizes about 300 people who died defending national interests and the socialist construction as martyrs. Their burial is regarded an important part in honoring and commemorating their deeds, said the spokesman.The regulations, the first of their kind in China, set detailed standards on the location of martyrs' cemeteries, the funeral and the placement of their cremains or remains.Martyrs should be buried in cemeteries or memorial sites according to relevant policies with full respect for ethnic conventions, under the regulations.They said that the local governments of places where the heroes died and are interred are responsible for arranging funerals and holding ceremonies to deliver and receive the martyrs. Cinerary caskets or coffins should be covered with the national flag.The regulations were published ahead of the Tomb Sweeping Day, which falls on Thursday. During this traditional holiday, the Chinese pay respects to deceased family members, and governments organize ceremonies to commemorate those who gave their lives to China's revolution and construction.