In with the old and out with the new. That is the cry of a group of Chinese scholars and lawyers who are demanding that Chinese heroes and literary giants be added to banknotes.
The appeal by 12 intellectuals from across China has been issued to coincide with the revival this weekend — after more than half a century — of a national holiday honouring an ancient statesman who committed suicide rather than serve a tyrannical emperor.
In a statement issued on the internet the 12 are careful not to demand the removal of the image of Chairman Mao that is embossed on every Chinese banknote. But they do want greater respect for tradition and culture.
They write: “So that the ancient pursuits of freedom