How books shape US-China perceptions amid geopolitical rivalry

A new series from the South China Morning Post examines how literature has shaped American perceptions of China, even as political tensions rise. The series highlights the story of Alexander Boyd, who at age 14 read a book about China that profoundly impacted his life. Raised in Acton, Massachusetts, Boyd was captivated by the narrative of a country undergoing dramatic transformation. The series explores the quiet literary relationship between the US and China, noting that books have forged lifelong fascinations for generations of Americans, despite fraying political ties and dwindling student exchanges. The piece is part of a broader examination of US-China relations on the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding, covering pressure points from hard tech to soft power. Author Khushboo Razdan looks at how books inspire connections even as geopolitical rivalry intensifies.