Chinese people cannot become model citizens overnight. But the Shanghai World Expo can be a big turning point for them toward reaching that goal. Let's hope they exhibit the best civic manners at the world's largest exhibition, says an article in Shanghai Business Daily. Excerpts:

Right from the day preparations began for the Shanghai World Expo, people have been worried whether Chinese visitors would measure up to the demands of civility. The Expo is a grand gathering of the world civilizations, where even the smallest of actions could reveal their national character of people.

Though the majority of Chinese visitors have observed the best of social ethics, some have embarrassed us with their behavior.

Education does play an important role in shaping individual character. National character, however, depends more on social development, and the credibility and integrity of a country's government officials.

Officials at all levels should become models of social virtue and professional ethics. This, in fact, will help improve the overall quality and image of civil servants and the government's credibility. Second, youths should learn proper manners and etiquette from social elites.The media, too, has an important role to play in making a person a model citizen. They should encourage the public to follow social rules and ethics, and criticize uncivilized behavior in order to create a positive and sound social atmosphere.