Sir, - We are very disappointed with the tone of Miriam Donohoe's article on the habit of spitting in China (The Irish Times, December 10th).
We agree that spitting is a problem in China. However, Ms Donohoe overstates this behaviour with sarcasm and in an unflattering way. Such an article may distort the impression Irish people have of Chinese people.
Chinese people realise that spitting in public is bad manners and want to stop it. God didn't create man to be 100 per cent perfect. There are good habits and bad habits everywhere in the world. We could tell our friends about Irish projectile vomit from drinkers in public at the weekends, or the rivers of urine that flow through the streets at night. But we won't. We prefer to talk about the good things in Dublin, such as the beautiful parks, friendly and kind people and vibrant culture.
We suggest Ms Donohoe should find good things to write about Chinese people and our country. We have 5,000 years of history and culture, many classic buildings and beautiful landscapes. - Yours, etc.,
Li Yang, (On behalf of nine Chinese students in Dublin), Rathgar Road, Dublin 6.