Sun Tzu’s Art of War offers lessons for modern diplomacy as the International Symposium kicks off in Beijing.
The 10th International Symposium on Sun Tzu’s Art of War began in Beijing on Thursday, with the theme “Sun Tzu’s Art of War and Mutual Learning among Civilizations.” The event brought together Chinese and international experts to discuss the ancient Chinese military treatise and its modern-day relevance. Participants emphasized the enduring significance of Sun Tzu’s philosophy, particularly its focus on conflict prevention over warfare, which aligns with China’s approach to managing regional tensions.
Organized by the China Research Society of Sun Tzu’s Art of War, the symposium attracted over 350 attendees from around 30 countries and regions. Participants included senior military leaders, former government officials, and scholars, reflecting a broad interest in the application of Sun Tzu’s principles across various fields.
At the opening ceremony, General Yang Xuejun, head of the PLA Academy of Military Sciences, highlighted the symposium’s focus on preserving and studying China’s millennia-old military culture while addressing contemporary global challenges. He noted the alignment of the symposium’s goals with President Xi Jinping’s vision of a community with a shared future for humanity and China’s global initiatives, such as the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. The event aims to explore how Sun Tzu’s wisdom can promote mutual learning among civilizations and peaceful coexistence.
General Ling Huanxin, political commissar of the Academy of Military Sciences, emphasized that studying traditional culture, such as Sun Tzu’s Art of War, is about integrating historical wisdom into modern contexts. He pointed out that the treatise embodies innovation, inclusiveness, science, and humanism, which remain relevant to addressing today’s challenges.
The symposium featured keynote speeches, plenary sessions, and six specialized discussions, including topics like “Exploring Ways of Civilization Coexistence by Applying the Wisdom of Sun Tzu” and “Contemporary Cultural Value of Sun Tzu’s Art of War,” showcasing its diverse themes.
Harold Raugh, vice president of the International Commission of Military History, noted in his opening remarks that the complexities of today’s global interdependence require careful statecraft. He highlighted the relevance of Sun Tzu’s principles, such as “Cautious War” and “Defeating the enemy without fighting,” which prioritize conflict prevention over armed conflict.
Yang Xiao, deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Strategy Studies, explained how the philosophy of “Cautious War” reflects China’s strategy for managing geopolitical disputes, including maritime tensions. He emphasized that China prioritizes negotiations and restraint, avoiding military conflicts and leveraging diplomatic wisdom alongside military strength to resolve tensions.
Yang further noted that China’s approach to peace and development resonates with regional neighbors’ shared aspirations. By focusing on diplomacy and cooperation, China has successfully eased tensions and fostered joint development with many countries in the region.
Spyros Katsoulas, an assistant professor at the American College of Greece, described Sun Tzu’s Art of War as “the Art of Avoiding War.” He drew parallels between Sun Tzu’s philosophy and China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI), which emphasizes peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue and consultation. Katsoulas expressed hope that nations worldwide would adopt similar prudence, prioritizing dialogue to maintain lasting peace.
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