Father of Pinyin wishes for democracy

To go with AFP story China-Language-Education-Politics, FOCUS by Tom HancockThis picture taken on January 11, 2015 shows Zhou Youguang at his home in Beijing. Born when a Qing dynasty emperor was on the throne, the man who helped invent the Pinyin writing system used for transliterating Chinese worldwide turns 109 on Tuesday. But Zhou Youguang’s outspoken support for democracy means his writings are still censored by the ruling Communist party. AFP PHOTO / WANG ZHAO

BEIJING: Born when a Qing dynasty emperor was on the throne, the man who helped invent the Pinyin writing system used for transliterating Chinese worldwide has turned 109. But Zhou Youguang’s (pic) outspoken support for democracy means his writings are still censored by the ruling Communist party.

“After 30 years of economic reform, China still needs to take the path of democracy,” Zhou said in an interview, his wrinkled face topped with a patch of white hair. “It’s the only path. I have always believed that.”