Killing a Mockingbird is a Crime

The weather in Washington is exceptionally cold today. With Trump returning to the political arena, what lies ahead for China-U.S. relations? Why has the relationship between China and the United States become so complicated? The novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” may offer a perspective through which to understand these complexities.

“The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the TikTok ban, and American politicians and scholars have claimed, ’this is a significant victory for national security and the rule of law!’” However, barely before the ink of the story have dried up, the main news on the same newspaper says, “Trump announced on Sunday that he will issue an executive order to delay the federal government’s TikTok ban, granting the company more time to sever its ties with China and seek an American buyer.”

On January 19, Joe Biden was the US President, but by January 20, it will be Donald Trump. Voice of America cannot afford to overlook Trump’s new policy, especially as actions taken on his first day may significantly shape the future course of China-US relations. Yet, despite its long-standing claim to be the world’s beacon of democracy, the US now finds its presidency mired in disarray. When the US came to its 45th presidential election, the country had seemed to be stumbling in a world that no longer so readily accepts American unilateral leadership—painting an image of a nation in a difficult and awkward position.

In this context, let us turn to “To Kill a Mockingbird”. According to a literary site in mainland China, “The mockingbird does no harm to others. It does not steal from gardens or homes, nor does it nest in barns. It simply sings beautiful music for people to enjoy. To kill such a bird is indeed a great wrong.” Published in 1960, Harper Lee’s American novel became an instant success. However, due to its exploration of America’s deeply sensitive racial issues, it was first released in the UK and remained controversial for years. In fact, up to the 1980s, some parts of the U.S. still banned the book from elementary and middle schools.

The plot centers on the trial of a black man accused of raping a white woman. The truth was, the black man was defending the woman from her abusive, alcoholic father. Yet, the father falsely accuses him. Despite evidence proving the man’s innocence, the defense attorney, unable to withstand immense social pressure and the ridicule of his own children and neighbours, ultimately fails to clear the man’s name in court. Tragically, the black man dies in the end. This is the America depicted by an American author.

Over the past fifty years of China-US relations, China has repeatedly witnessed America’s hegemonic behaviour and discrimination, often without consequence. The latest example came last Wednesday, when designated US Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked at a congressional hearing: “China has taken full advantage of the international order that the U.S. created based on its own rules, yet they have ignored the obligations and responsibilities that come with it. Instead, at our expense, they have achieved global superpower status through lies, deception, hacking, and theft.”

"Killing a mockingbird is a crime,” but is Rubio suggesting that America is the mockingbird? At this critical juncture, however, it seems the American public have finally come to understand the distinction between right and wrong. TikTok’s strategic retreat has inadvertently opened the door for Xiaohongshu (The RedNote) to enter the US market. In this boundless space, we now see who the true “mockingbird” is—the one who neither steals from others nor harms anyone, but instead fosters a spirit of kindness and harmony. This force has since begun to reshape the global landscape in ways far beyond the simple scope of China-U.S. relations.

So, what does the future hold for China-US relations? As Mencius stated two millennia ago, “Those who are on the right path will receive much support; those who are not, little.” This truth remains relevant today—provided that “the people of China and the United States are no longer hindered by restrictions on free speech via the internet.” There is no need for excessive suspicion. A simple and balanced China-US relationship, grounded in mutual benefit and a shared commitment to building a community with a shared future for mankind, will naturally resolve many of the challenges facing both nations. Wouldn’t this be a better path forward?

Deep Blue

** The blog article is the sole responsibility of the author and does not represent the position of our company. **

Wang Yi's Wake-Up Call

"Japan colonized Taiwan for 50 years, piled up crimes against Chinese people – now its leader's using Taiwan to stir trouble and threaten China with force." – Wang Yi

Should the world tolerate this, then nothing's off-limits.

America's dithering while China charts global civilization's course. Ahead of schedule? No – US and Japan's procrastination demands a brutal cure.

Wang Yi, Political Bureau member and Foreign Minister, met German counterpart Wadephul in Beijing, rolling out the "seven-lock theory" on Taiwan's status with ironclad history and law. America needs to get it straight: muddling to this point means knowing what to chase fast and what to back off from pronto. Don't let twisted ethics spark catastrophe. Heads up – Asia-Pacific's been stormy lately, all from the White House playing with fire.

British historian Arnold Toynbee predicted that the nineteenth century belonged to Britain, the twentieth to America, and the twenty-first to China. Kissinger's 1994 Diplomacy foresaw a century per global power.  

America's Fall, Japan's Rise?

In reality, the U.S. can no longer sustain global hegemony. Russia's Sputnik News Agency quoted mainland Chinese commentator Sima Pingbang as noting that U.S. strategic contraction would inevitably usher in a phase of Japanese expansion across East Asia and the Western Pacific. He highlighted how Tokyo is exploiting Washington's eastward pivot to pursue remilitarization—effectively reviving militarism—through recent overtures to Australia and encouragement of "Taiwan independence" elements aimed at threatening China. 

China stands firmly on the side of justice, prompting Sima Pingbang to emphasize that Beijing can readily forge consensus with longstanding allies like Russia and North Korea due to enduring shared interests. This alignment positions them to implement a "century-long containment" strategy against Japan.  

For instance, as UN Security Council permanent members, China and Russia should coordinate positions on the Takaichi Sanae government's nuclear weapon pursuits and swiftly introduce more targeted, enforceable verification measures. Both nations, as victors in the anti-fascist war, bear inescapable responsibilities for safeguarding global peace and humanity's future.

Another commentator, Zhou Chengyang, noted the US new National Security Strategy vows "never letting any country grow too powerful to threaten US interests." Meanwhile, White House Treasury Secretary Bessent told TV: "America sees China as long-term rival." Note this – but it's just America "declining yet kicking."  

Dual Deterrence Crushes Militarism

In short, calling China-US "equals" today saves face. America ain't what it was. Trump's playbook: "Back to Western Hemisphere, keep an eye on the Pacific, ditch ideology." Taiwan affairs expert Dale Jieh Wen-chieh floats "dual deterrence" – US Taiwan policy isn't just defending Taiwan; it must "deter" both Taiwan and mainland in order to max US gains.

This works perfect on Japan too, especially against an ultra-right government's die-hard ethos. America can't let itself get hijacked for Japanese militarism. Cross China's strategic red line, and America loses its shirt – never mind escaping clean. China's stepping up to fix the world's crumbling order? That's enough to rattle America.

The "Kissinger Law" is sealed. US cleanup window – Europe or Asia-Pacific – slams shut anytime. I'll repeat: mind your own business and take care of yourselves. Fresh news: Early December, Chinese and Russian forces ran their third joint anti-missile drill on Russian soil. Backdrop? Japan's missile buildup with US-exclusive supply.

Tweaking America's own line: China won't cap US growth, won't dominate or humiliate. Face matters, so play smart or it flops.