Lip-synching in commercial performances might face punishment in China, if a plan by the country's Ministry of Culture goes ahead.

Lip-synching is when in a live concert, a singer doesn't really sing but instead matches his or her lip movements with a recording. This is widely regarded as controversial.

Apart from lip-synching, fake musical instrument playing in commercial performances would also be banned, said the draft regulations released by the ministry on Wednesday to solicit public opinion.

The names of the troupes or individuals breaking the rules would be made public, the draft regulations said, adding that if they did it twice in two years, their performance licenses would be revoked.

In addition, artists and companies that engage in charity performances are forbidden from making a profit from such performances. They must donate all the money to charity, after covering their cost.