Sixty years ago on Oct. 1, 1949, the Chinese leader Mao Zedong announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China at Beijing's Tiananmen Square. At the time, China was an impoverished country following years of military aggression by Japan and civil war between the Communist Party and Kuomintang (Nationalist Party).

Economic reforms since 1978 have transformed China into a genuine economic and military power. It is hoped that China will shed narrow-minded nationalism and use its considerable international influence responsibly and cooperatively.

It is predicted that China will become the world's No. 2 economy next year with its gross domestic product topping Japan's. China's foreign currency reserves are larger than any other country's. It's the biggest holder of U.S. bonds. The Chinese economy is growing nearly 8 percent annually, even amid the current economic crisis.

Costs of China's economic growth include environmental disruption and wasteful use of natural resources. It and the United States are the two top greenhouse gas emitters, accounting for 40 percent of global emissions. Given its economic weight, China should accept its obligation to reduce its emissions. This would be of great help internationally in the fight against global warming.

The growth of the market economy in China has benefited mainly people close to the state and the ruling party. The gap between rich and poor has widened, leading to frequent riots, especially in the countryside. China faces the task of stamping out corruption and equalizing distribution of economic fruits between urban and rural regions.

China's defense budget has undergone a double-digit increase for 21 straight years, and it is eager to build an aircraft carrier. China should refrain from any move that other nations could perceive as a threat.

China saw large-scale riots by Tibetans last year and Uighurs this year. Respecting the rights of ethnic minorities and people in general at home will be the basis for China's becoming a trusted major power in the international community.