BEIJING - The maximum duration for graveyard leases should be 50 or 70 years depending on the condition of the land on the grave site, said a statement from China's Ministry of Civil Affairs on Monday.

The period is similar to the maximum duration of land leases in China. The leases can be renewed and extended after its expiration, the statement said.

According to the ministry, the statement was issued to clarify possible misunderstandings caused by earlier reports. News items said that leased graveyards could only be used for no longer than 20 years.

The current regulation stipulates that the maximum amount for a one-time charges for graveyards lease should be no more than the sum for 20 years. The regulation was meant to stop cemetery keepers from collecting huge amounts of money for advance payments, the statement said.

However, that fee has nothing to do with the duration of graveyards leases, the statement said.