Uchikura & Co., LLC

When China Ignores Sun Tzu

 

China often quotes The Art of War by Sun Tzu, but its behavior toward Taiwan, Japan, and the West increasingly contradicts the book’s core teachings.

 

Sun Tzu’s most famous principle is clear: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” True victory comes from persuasion, attraction, and psychological advantage — not from intimidation. If you want people to accept your leadership, you make them feel safe, not threatened.

 

Yet China today relies on military drills, warships, missile tests, and aggressive rhetoric. These actions are not bringing Taiwan closer to Beijing; they are pushing it further away. They are also driving Japan to rearm, pulling Europe into Asian security, and strengthening U.S. alliances. In Sun Tzu’s terms, China is creating a coalition against itself.

 

Sun Tzu also taught that the best strategy is to take a state intact. You do not destroy what you want to rule. But Beijing’s pressure campaign is damaging Taiwan’s willingness to ever coexist politically with the mainland. Instead of economic and cultural attraction, China has chosen fear — burning the bridge it claims to want to cross.

Another key lesson is understanding human psychology. China assumes fear leads to surrender. In democratic societies, fear creates backlash. Threats produce unity, elections, and resistance, not obedience.

 

Sun Tzu also warned against making too many enemies. Strategic patience avoids encirclement. Yet China’s behavior has accelerated the formation of groups like AUKUS, the Quad, and deeper U.S.-Japan cooperation.

 

Finally, Sun Tzu advised strong powers to hide their strength. China advertises it — with parades, propaganda, and nationalist rhetoric — inviting others to prepare for conflict.

 

The irony is that a confident, open China would be far more attractive to Taiwan than a threatening one. By abandoning Sun Tzu’s wisdom, Beijing is weakening its own position.

 

I really admire Sun Tzu, study his teachings, and try to apply them to how I manage my company.