Comment on "How are laowais treated in China? " (China Daily website, Aug 25)

I am an Australian who has been working in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region for three years. My experience in China shows it is one of the best countries in the world and its people are among the most friendly and respectful in the world.

My wife is a Chinese national, so I get to see both sides of the coin in China. I have traveled across Europe and other parts of Asia, but China stands out for its hospitality and friendliness, especially toward foreigners. And this characteristic is not restricted to big Chinese cities, for I have found people in smaller places to be more friendly and courteous.

Contrary to what many Westerners have come to believe, China is an easy place to travel and live in. And the government authorities that I have had to deal with have all been helpful.

People should either experience China firsthand or depend on the opinions of people who have had firsthand experience of Chinese society to form a view of this grossly misunderstood country. Let me conclude by stressing that I feel a lot safer in China than I do at times in cities in Australia.

AUSTINXINJIANG, from China Daily website