Piano diplomacy or politics, no strings attached as Lang Lang's ode to motherland wins American applause

With all the sensitivities surrounding Sino-US relations, even pianist Lang Lang's performance at the White House came under scrutiny - not for his undisputed virtuosity but for one tune he played - My Motherland, the theme song from the 1956 film Shangganling, or The Battle of Triangle Hill.

The film depicts Chinese troops fighting the US-led United Nations forces during the 1950-53 Korean war.

China watchers mused light-heartedly about whether the tune's inclusion was an oversight or if it was picked to send a subtle hint about the state of the two countries' relationship.

My Motherland is popular with nationalistic performers in karaoke lounges on the mainland, having been made famous again in recent years by pop stars and PLA singers including Peng Liyuan , the wife of Vice-President Xi Jinping .

While its lyrics make no mention of America, telling only of 'wolves' encroaching on the motherland, some speculated that if the song had been played during a Sino-US summit in China, it might have provoked a diplomatic incident.

Lang (pictured), writing on his personal blog on Sina.com, said the tune was 'the most beautiful song in the hearts of the Chinese. I feel deeply honoured and proud to be able to play this song, which praises China before so many foreign guests, especially leaders from different places.' To be fair to the 28-year-old, he may not be aware of the song's background.