This is a dangerous way to view another culture. Instead of accepting that an author is an independent creator and a work is an independent creation, you seem to be saying that any Chinese work can be interpreted as a slice of "what China is like".
There's no such thing as immutable "Chinese-ness" that would be inevitably expressed by Chinese authors. To think otherwise is basically Orientalism in the Edward Said meaning [1].
For example, from http://gking.harvard.edu/publications/how-Censorship-China-A...
"Contrary to previous understandings, posts with negative, even vitriolic, criticism of the state, its leaders, and its policies are not more likely to be censored. Instead, we show that the censorship program is aimed at curtailing collective action by silencing comments that represent, reinforce, or spur social mobilization, regardless of content."
* Mass arrests of human rights attorneys and dissidents: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/12/world/asia/china-arrests-h...
* Online political dissent shut down: http://www.afr.com/technology/social-media/how-china-stopped...
The point I was trying to make is that, a sweeping statement such as "Anything that is published in China, by definition is representative of the opinions of the Party.", simply isn't true.
It is not even true for the mainstream media, nevermind a work of fiction.
The point I am trying to make is that people think China is a smidgen way from North Korea, when the actual difference is night and day.
If not, then you are incredibly ignorant about China.
It is true, though not to the extremes I think you believe. I would guess that you're getting downvoted because you go from that to "Anything that is published in China, by definition is representative of the opinions of the Party." which is just patently not true (there is plenty of criticism of the CCP in both official published mediums - print, media, etc. - and even more so on blogs, weibo, etc.)
Lastly, your statement can also be applied to many western countries...
A daring thought as it is 'just' a fictional novel ? Can you elaborate on how you came to that conclusion ?
I will say the book provided an interesting insight into some people in China's view of the West. It reinforced what I've observed, a love/hate perspective mixing an admiration of achievements, inferiorty complex / assumption of Westerners' superiority (undeserved, surprising, and embarassing, but I've seen it many times), and resentment of Westerners' arrogance and disregard. People in the West have forgotten or written off the horrors inflicted under colonialism, including what Chinese call their 'Century of Humiliation"; people in the countries that were oppressed often have not.
What I found most interesting with the first novel 'The Three-Body Problem' was it to me shows an immature view to science by the Chinese.
This is assuming I'm guessing correctly how this book sits with the public and scientific community there. Maybe it's not considered Sci-Fi in China. I'm not saying it's pulp either.
An interesting and entertaining read anyway.