In an era where strategic thinking is more important than ever, Chinese ancient military strategist Sun Tzu's The Art of War remains a timeless and influential guide.

Written during China's Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.), this seminal work has impacted both Western and East Asian philosophy and military thought. Its principles transcend their ancient origins, shaping practices in diverse fields globally.

International perspectives continue to evaluate the enduring value of The Art of War and Sun Tzu's cultural legacy across time and space. The work is considered not only an important window into understanding Chinese strategic culture and an inspiration for modern military strategy and operations, but also a valuable resource for resolving conflict through non-violent means— especially in the context of escalating regional tensions, noted Yu Yunquan, Vice President of China International Communications Group and President of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, at the 10th International Symposium on Sun Tzu's Art of War held in Beijing on December 5.

General Ling Huanxin, Political Commissar of the Academy of Military Sciences and head of the China Research Society of Sun Tzu's The Art of War, added during the opening ceremony that researching traditional culture is not about reviving a bygone era, but about bringing the essences of the past into the modern age. He explained that The Art of War encapsulates core values such as innovation, adaptability, inclusiveness, scientific thinking and humanism, making it highly relevant today.

The two-day symposium, themed Sun Tzu's Art of War and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations, was organized by the China Research Society of Sun Tzu's The Art of War and attended by over 350 representatives from around 30 countries and regions, including senior military officers, former governmental officials and scholars.

Modern implications 

Today's world has become an intricate web of interdependence, cooperation and competition, placing mounting pressure on countries to effectively wield the tools of statecraft to achieve their political objectives, Harold Raugh, Vice President of the International Commission of Military History, observed.

At the same time, global stability is waning amid intensified competition among major nations, conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, shifting economic alliances, terrorism, cybersecurity threats, over-population and resource shortages, according to Raugh.

"This is an era in which Sun Tzu's timeless and wise precepts of 'cautious war' and 'defeating the enemy without fighting'—emphasizing conflict prevention over warfare—are particularly necessary and relevant," he said, adding that global political and military leaders are encouraged to reject self-serving interests, illusory pretensions and national isolation.

The core message of the classic ancient Chinese military book remains the vital importance of exhausting all avenues to avoid war and exercising great caution when conflict becomes inevitable, according to Ling.

David Harland, Executive Director of Switzerland-based Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, echoed Ling's views. He told Beijing Review that the idea of deterrence and of not fighting a war is central to The Art of War, adding that Sun Tzu can be considered a good guide for modern statesmen.

"Due to the nature of the evolution of technology and the international system, the cost of war is almost always too high," Harland elaborated. If countries can realize that, many of the tensions and conflicts facing the international community can be avoided, according to the expert.

The philosophy of Sun Tzu is reflected in China's approach to navigating complex and sensitive geopolitical issues, explained Yang Xiao, Deputy Director of the Institute of Maritime Strategy Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. For instance, in addressing maritime disputes with certain countries in the region, China has always insisted on negotiation and has exercised extreme restraint and professionalism in the use of force.

"Despite existing frictions, there is no military conflict resulting in chaos and disaster in the region surrounding China. And The Art of War does not solely focus on 'power' but also on understanding the 'trend.' This approach has enabled China to successfully resolve or ease tensions with its neighbors through a combination of military strength and diplomatic wisdom," Yang added.

"China is a country that is generally rather cautious about the use of force, particularly in the use of force far away. And I think that is something very valuable in today's dangerous world," Harland said.

In the same boat 

Reflecting China's deep-rooted commitment to peace, Chinese President Xi Jinping in April 2022 introduced the Global Security Initiative (GSI), which seeks to improve the international diplomatic and security architecture while safeguarding human rights through security, development and cooperation. 

"In general, the Chinese approach is pragmatic, looking for mutual interests, looking for mutual economic advantages, looking for peaceful coexistence, and emphasizing non-interference in the internal affairs of states," Harland said.

"The Art of War can also be taken as 'the art of avoiding war,'" said Spyros Katsoulas, a strategic historian and assistant professor of international relations at the American College of Greece.

Speaking to Beijing Review, Katsoulas added that the GSI resonates with the principle of "cautious war," as it calls on nations to resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation—rather than conflict.

"War and sanctions are not lasting solutions to disputes; only dialogue and consultation can effectively resolve differences. I hope all states of the world can share the same prudence and we can maintain and preserve peace as long as we can," he said.

Yang added that China's ability to cooperate and pursue joint development with most regional countries stems from the shared desire for peace and development. "This is also an interpretation of Sun Tzu's 'trend'," he said.

The Art of War also contains a story of mutual cooperation: Though the people of the kingdoms of Wu and Yue in the Spring and Autumn Period [roughly today's Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces—Ed.] historically detested each other, when they found themselves in the same boat during a storm, they worked together like brothers and sisters to survive. 

This story illustrates that even nations in conflict can discover common interests when confronted with common challenges, Ling said.

All countries now share the same boat of a common destiny. Only by working together can we navigate the storms and sail toward a brighter future, Ling said.

"The ultimate goal, and Sun Tzu's remarkable legacy, will be to contribute to the prevention of conflict and foster international cooperation and global stability," Raugh concluded. BR

(Print Edition Title: More Than Military Strategy)

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon 

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