However, beginning in 2000, when per capita GDP climbed above US$1,000,1 and especially since 2001, when China joined the World Trade Organization, both the Chinese government and consumers have changed their perceptions of MNCs drastically. MNC projects now are scrutinized much more for their fit with national interests. Furthermore, MNCs increasingly are getting local treatment. The coming equalization of the corporate tax rates (to be phased in as of January 1, 2008) between local and foreign companies attests to this. MNCs are now held to the same, if not stricter, standards than local competitors in terms of areas such as employment standards and environmental standards. And they are finding that those standards are enforced much more rigorously.