After reading the books, I thought that there was some sort of underlying political meaning with the way Liu incorporates both philosophy, religion, and real world events (ie, the Cultural Revolution). Then I read the afterword and author interview transcripts where the author explicitly says that there is no such meaning.

> “As a science fiction writer who began as a fan, I do not use my fiction as a disguised way to criticize the reality of the present.”

Given that the author lives under an authoritarian government, I'm not sure if Liu's words should be taken at face value. But officially, a political interpretation of the book wouldn't be the authors intention.

Was looking for this, had to scroll a long way to find it. The "dark forest" is a metaphor for growing up in an authoritarian regime. Paranoia and zero trust, because crimes against the state are absolute, and you never know who is reporting on you.

Then it mixes that with the US - China relationship mirroring first contact with the aliens.

Not everything lines up 1 to 1, but all the themes are there. Amazing how many people take it at face value instead of looking for context.