I wouldn't say "classic" since you're referring to fairly recent events. If I had to guess, the OP was speaking about mid-20th century targeting of progressive groups by US law enforcement agencies (e.g. sending MLK fake hate mail whose intent, according to many, was to induce suicide).
"As one of China's main trading partners, China doesn't want to pick a fight with the united states any more than we want to pick a fight with China."
Such thinking was very common going into World War I. The mutual economic interests of all of the nations involved led many people to believe it would be over in a few months.