Comments made by Lu Ping, former director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, are unfair to the city ("Love China or leave it, says Lu Ping", November 1).
Given conflicting value systems and other problems, I can understand why some citizens want Hong Kong to be independent, though their views would appear to be too extreme.
It is true that, at the start, the British cared little about Hong Kong.
But, over the years, positive Western values, such as freedom of speech, became part of the fabric of society and Hong Kong became recognised throughout the world as a significant and prosperous city.
After the handover, certain values came under threat and some Hong Kong people have become tired of the central government. They are right to voice their concerns before it is too late.
Lu Ping says that without the mainland's support, Hong Kong would be a dead city, but look at our history and the contributions Hong Kong has made to China.