【明報專訊】SIXTY years ago the Chinese people welcomed the People Republic of China after they had seen the 8-year War of Resistance against Japan and the civil war. China was then in desolation. Now it has surpassed the UK and is catching up with the US in national strength. In the past, Chinese leaders were shunned and refused handshakes by their foreign counterparts. Now they are active on the world stage. World attention is focused on what China has achieved. Western countries used to criticise China for being backward in upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights. Since its economy took off, such criticisms have rarely been heard. The world has heaped praise on China for its economic achievements. Now National Day is drawing near, it is all the more necessary for Chinese leaders to remind themselves that China still falls short of universally accepted standards in civil liberties and the rule of law and the Chinese government's anti-corruption efforts still fall short of the people's expectations. China should not only integrate its economy into the world economy but also adopt universally accepted values.