Military Strategy Classics of Ancient China

by Shawn Conners

“When the enemy lacks the advantages of ravines and defiles for securing their defenses, if you penetrate deeply into their territory and sever their supply lines, they will certainly be hungry.

  “When the land is level and easy and the enemy cavalry approaches us from all four sides, if then our chariots and cavalry strike into them, they will certainly become disordered.

  “When the enemy flees, with the officers and troops scattered and in chaos, if our cavalry outflanks them both on sides and obstructs them to the front and rear, their general can be captured.

  “When the enemy is returning to his camp at dusk and his soldiers are very numerous, his lines and deployment will certainly become disordered. Our cavalry should be formed platoons of ten and regiments of 100. Our chariots should be grouped into squads of five and companies of ten. Our flags and pennants should be set out in great profusion, intermixed with strong crossbowmen. Then, units of our cavalry should attack their two flanks, others cut off the front and rear, and then the enemy’s general can be taken prisoner. These are the ten circumstances in which the cavalry can be victorious.”

  King Wu asked: “What are the nine circumstances which will lead to defeat?”

  Jiāng Zǐyá said: “If our the cavalry penetrates the ranks of the enemy but does not destroy their formation, and then the enemy feigns flight, only to turn their chariots and cavalry about to strike our rear - this is a situation in which our cavalry will be defeated.

  “If we pursue a fleeing enemy into confined ground far into their territory without stopping, then the enemy may ambush both our flanks and sever our rear - this is a circumstance in which the cavalry will be surrounded and defeated.

  “If we go forward when there is no road back, if we enter when there is no way out, this is known as ‘Heaven Trap’ or ‘Earthly Cave’. It is fatal terrain for the cavalry.

  “If the way by which we enter is constricted and the way out is distant; weaker enemy forces can attack our strong ones; and their few can attack our many - this is terrain on which our cavalry can be exterminated.

  “If there are great mountain torrents, deep valleys, tall luxuriant grass, forests and trees - these are conditions which will exhaust the cavalry.

  “If there is water on both left and right, while ahead are large hills, and to the rear there are high mountains, and if our army is fighting between the bodies of water while the enemy occupies both the interior and exterior ground - this is terrain that presents great difficulty for the cavalry.

  “If the enemy has cut off our supply lines, and if we advance, we would not have a route by which to return - this is terrain that is troublesome for the cavalry.

  “If we are sinking into marshy ground, and advancing and retreating must both be through quagmires - this is terrain that will labor the cavalry.

  “If on the left, there are deep water sluices, and on the right, there are gullies and hillocks, but the ground appears level - good terrain for advancing, retreating, and enticing an enemy - this is a terrain that is a pitfall for the cavalry.

  “These nine circumstances comprise fatal terrain for cavalry, which an enlightened general may use to keep the enemy far off and allowing time for him to escape, and for the ignorant general, it is the means for him to be entrapped and defeated.”

  武王问太公说：骑兵怎样作战?

  太公说：骑兵作战有”十胜”和”九败”。

  武王问：十胜怎样？

  太公说：敌人初到，行阵未定，前后不相联系，我骑兵应立即击破其先头骑兵部队，夹击其两翼，敌必溃逃；敌人阵势，整齐坚固，士卒战斗情绪很高，我骑兵部队 应缠住敌人两翼不放，有时奔驰过去，有时奔驰回来，快速如风，猛烈如雷，使尘土飞扬迷漫，白昼如同黄昏，不断更换旗帜，改变服装，[使敌人疑虑重重，]敌 军就可以被打败；敌人行阵不稳固，士卒没有斗志，就迫近敌人前方和后方，袭击其左右从两翼夹击它，敌人必会震恐；敌人日暮回营三军震骇．我骑兵应夹击其两 翼，急速袭击其后尾，迫近其营垒入口，阻止其进入营垒，敌人在慌从中必会溃败；敌人没有险阻地形可以固守，我骑兵应长驱立入，切断其粮道，敌人必会陷于饥 饿；敌处于平坦地形，四面受到威胁，我骑兵协同战车四面围攻它，敌人必会溃乱；敌人败逃，士卒散乱，我骑兵或由其两翼夹击，或袭击其前后，敌将帅也就可以 被擒；敌人日暮退回营垒，部队很多，队形一定混乱，就令我骑兵十人为一队，百人为一屯，战车五辆为一聚，十辆为一群，多插旗帜，配以强弩或者打击其两翼， 或者断绝其前后，敌将帅也可以被俘获。这就是骑兵作战的十种取胜的战机。

  武王问：“九败”是什么?

  太公说：用骑兵攻击敌人，如果不能突破敌阵，敌人假装跑，而以战车和骑兵攻我后方，这就使我骑兵处于失败的境地了；击败退之敌，越过险阻，长驱深入而不好 止，敌人埋伏在我两旁，绝我后路，这就使我骑兵处于被围的境地了；”前进后，无法退回，进后，无法出来，这叫陷入”天井”之内，困于”地穴”之中，这就使 骑兵处于灭亡的境地了；进路狭窄，出路迂远，敌可以弱击强，以少击众，这就使我骑兵处于覆灭的境地了；大涧深谷，林木茂盛，活动困难，这会使我骑兵处于精 疲力竭的境地；左右有水，前有大山，后有高岭，我三、军在两水之间作战，敌人内守山险，外据水要，这就使我骑兵处于艰难的境地；敌人断我粮道，我只有进路 而没有退路，这就使我骑兵陷于困难的境地；沼泽地、低湿泥泞地，这是使骑兵疲劳的患地；左有深沟，右有坑凹，一高一低，看起来就象平地，无论进退都会招致 敌人来攻，这就是骑兵作战的陷地。这九种都是骑兵的”死地”。这是明智的将帅所竭力避开的地方，昏庸的将冲所以陷于失败的原因。

  Infantry in Battle

  King Wu asked Jiāng Zǐyá: “How should the infantry engage in battle with chariots and cavalry?”

  Jiāng Zǐyá replied: “When the infantry engages in battle with chariots and cavalry, they must use the terrain to their advantage, using hills and mounds, ravines and defiles. The long weapons and strong crossbow should occupy the forward positions; the short weapons and weak crossbow should occupy the rear, firing en salvo. Even if large numbers of the enemy’s chariots and cavalry should arrive, they must maintain a solid formation and fight intensely, while our most skilled soldiers and strongest crossbowmen prepare against attacks from the rear.”

  King Wu said: “If there are no hills or mounds, ravines or defiles and the enemy arrives in strength. If their chariots and cavalry outflank us on both sides, and if they are making repeated attacks against our front and rear positions. And finally, if our army is terrified and trying to flee in chaotic defeat, what can be done?”

  Jiāng Zǐyá replied: “The army should be ordered to establish a four sided formation with the oxen and horses placed in the center. Defensive barricades and anti-personnel devices should be readied. When the enemy is seen to begin to advance, the men should deploy the spiked barricades, the chevaux-de-frise and caltrops at the periphery. At the back of these barricades, they should dig ditches five feet deep and five feet wide, creating what is called the ‘Cage of Fate’.

  “The chariots should be deployed as ramparts and pushed forward and back. Then, whenever they stop, they will be useful as battlements. Our skilled soldiers and strong crossbowmen should defend the left and right flanks. The army should be under orders to fight tirelessly to exhaust the enemy and crush him.”

  “Excellent!” said King Wu.

  武王问太公说：步兵怎样与战车、骑兵作战？

  太公说：步兵与战车、骑兵作战，必须依托丘陵、险阻的地形列阵，把长兵器和强努配置在前面，把短兵器和较弱的努配在后面，轮流战斗，更番休止。敌战车和骑兵大量到达，我只有坚守阵形，顽强战斗，并�
�材士强督戒备后方。

  武王说：我方没有丘陵，又无险阻可利用，敌人到达的兵力既多又强，战车骑兵包围我两翼。突击我前后，我三军恐惧，溃败逃跑，对此怎么办?

  太公说：令我士卒制作行马和木蒺藜，把牛车、马车都集中起来编为一队，步兵列成”四五冲阵”。观察到敌军即将到来，就在他来的方向，广泛布设蒺藜，并挖掘 环形的壕沟，深宽各五尺，这叫做”命笼”。步兵带着行马进退，用车辆组成营垒推着它前后移动，停止下来就成为营寨，用材士强弩戒备左右，然后号令全军急剧 地战斗，不得懈怠。

  武王说：好啊！

  The Art of War

  Sun Tzu

  孙子兵法

  The Art of War (孙子兵法) Sun Wu (also known as Sun Tzu) expounds on the importance of military strategy and tactics, in particular the topics of assessing the opponent, positioning forces, and careful analysis of the enemy, in each of nine situations and terrains. Each of the 13 chapters is transcribed as a lesson by Sun Tzu, traditionally starting with the phrase “Master Sun said.” The Art of War is still considered one of the most important military texts ever compiled. It is believed to have been written during the late Spring and Autumn period or the early Warring States period (c. 470 BCE).

  Chapter 1

  Assessment and Planning

  War is of immense importance, because the outcome will determine the survival of the nation and its people. Thus, the initial assessment of war is of the utmost importance.

  战争是国家大事，它关系到军民的生死、国家的存亡，一定要认真的研究。

  There are five major areas one should look at, and compare them with those of the enemy, to understand the situation. Then assess the chances of victory. They are: political intelligence, weather, terrain, generalship, and legal doctrine.

  所以，要从五方面作分析，比较敌我双方的情况，来了解战争的情势：一是道，二是天，三是地，四是将，五是法

  Political intelligence refers to the ruler's capability to unite the whole nation. In this way, the people are prepared to co-exist and brave danger together with the ruler.

  所谓“道”，是指民众与国君同一意愿。民众可以在战争中和国君出生入死

  Weather represents day or night, light level, temperature, and seasonal changes. Terrain refers to the route or battlefield conditions; high or low, distant or near, easily accessible or treacherous, width, and ease of defense or attack.

  天是指阴晴，昼夜，暑寒，四季变化。‘地’是指地势的高度，距离，险恶易行，广阔狭隘，或者容易攻守

  Generals should be assessed by their wisdom, trustworthiness, benevolence, courage and discipline.

  ‘将’是指将军的智能谋略，信能赏罚，仁能附众，勇能果断，严能立威。

  Army organization structure refers to the army organization and control, systems and procedures, and command and control of deployment of resources.

  所谓“法”，是指军队的编组制度，将吏的管理和后勤支援。

  Generals who are able to assess these five factors well would be able to win, and those who cannot would fail. Thus in planning, the general must be able to examine, assess and compare the following dimensions with those of his enemies to determine the chances of victory.

  Which ruler has a higher political intelligence? Which general is more capable? Which side has advantages created by the weather and terrain? Which side is capable of executing orders effectively and efficiently? Which army is better equipped, stronger and larger in numbers? Which side has better training? Which side is more enlightened in the administration of rewards and punishment? Based on the comparison, I would be able to see which side will emerge the winner and which would emerge the loser.

  这五方面，将帅一定得知道，知道的越祥细，胜算就越大，不只是越祥细，而且还需要和敌方做比较，才可知胜算。如：哪一方的国君政治贤明？哪一方的将帅指挥与韬略高明？哪一方得天时地利？哪一方能贯彻执行法令？哪一方的军队较强？哪一方的兵士训练有素？那一方赏罚严明？根据以上，便可知谁胜谁负。

  A general who adopts my strategies would be able to win the battle; he must be retained. Generals who do not adopt my strategies would not be able to win the battle, they must be removed. Besides adopting the proposed plans and strategies, the general must create or take advantage of situations to push for victories.

  如果将帅听从我计谋，运用他可得胜利，应该留用。如果将帅不听从我计谋，运用他必失败，应该弃之不用。将帅采取了计策，可也需要利用战争走势，以辅佐作战取胜。所谓“势”是根据有利条件而采取相应措施或行动。

  All warfare is based on deception. When you are capable, feign that you are incapable. When you are near, feign that you are far. When you are far away, feign that you are near.

  战争也需要诡诈。能而假装不能，要用兵或计谋而假装不用，要去近处而假装去远处，要去远处而假装去近处。

  If the enemy is greedy, use baits to lure him. If the enemy is in disarray, attack him. If the enemy is strong and has no weaknesses yet, be well-prepared to seize the opportunity to attack. If the enemy is superior in numbers and high in morale, avoid engaging. If the enemy is easily angered, arouse anger. If the enemy looks down on you, increase the arrogance further. If the enemy is resting, harass him so that the troops are not well-rested. If the enemy’s organization is strong, insinuate discord among them. Attack places where the enemy troops are not well-prepared or where they will least expect an attack. This is how a war should be fought, in order to win. These strategies should not be disclosed before execution.

  对于贪利的敌人，用利诱使他；对于处与混乱状态的敌人，乘机攻取他；对于实力充实的敌人，须要防备他；对于兵力强大的敌人，须要避开他；对于容易发怒的敌人，尽量激怒他；对于鄙视我方的敌人，使他更加骄傲；对与在休息的敌人，要设法使他疲劳；对于内部团结的敌人，尽量分离他们；要在敌人没有防备时发动攻击，攻击敌人意想不到的的地方。这是兵家取胜之法，不可在执行前外传。

  In conclusion, those who have considered careful details during planning and assessment will win, while those who have considered fewer details will lose. The more details considered, the higher the chances of winning, and vice versa. By observing the planning and assessment process, I am able to see whether victory or defeat is expected.

  凡是未战之前预计能够取胜，是因为筹划周密、取胜条件充分。未战之前预计失败，是因为筹划不周密、取胜条件不够充分。筹划地越周密，胜利条件越充分，就越有胜算；筹划不周，而胜利条件不充分，就肯定失败，更不须要提不筹划会有什么后果。我们根据这些就可看出谁胜谁负。

  Chapter 2

  Waging War

  In general, before the start of the military campaign, one would need 1,000 speedy chariots, 1,000 heavy wagons and 10,000 armored and equipped soldiers. Supplies have to be transported for thousands of li[6], and there is a need to provide for expenses both at home and at the battlefront. Examples of such expenses are entertainment of visitors and emissaries, procurement of materials like glue and paint, and maintenances fees for armor and other equipment. These expenses would amount to 1,000 pieces of gold daily. An army of 10,000 could only be raised when a sufficient amount of supplies is raised.

  凡用兵作战，一般上需要动用战车千辆，辎重车千辆，铠甲十万个，还要越境千里运送粮草；拢总内外开销，如招待宾客费用，补给胶漆等材料，修补铠甲的费用，每日须耗费千金。准备齐了后方可出动十万大军。

  The purpose of raising an army is to achieve swift and decisive victory. If victory cannot be achieved quickly, the army will become l
azy, and lose their fighting spirit. When they attack city walls, they would be greatly exhausted. If the army is out on a military campaign for too long, the nation’s resources would be greatly depleted. When the army is in bad shape and the resources of the nation are exhausted, other neighboring warlords would capitalize on these weaknesses by launching an attack. Even if there are clever and capable strategists or advisors, they would not be able to reverse the situation.

  While blunders are known to occur during military operations, one has yet to witness a successful military operation where there are long delays. No one has seen a military campaign where the longer the campaign, the more beneficial it is to the nation.

  Someone who does not fully understand the inherent danger of deploying troops would also not understand the advantages of using them.

  用这军队，须要求速胜，否则旷日持久会使军队疲惫，锐气受挫，而攻城则力量耗尽，出兵长久则使国家财政受到影响。一旦陷入持久战，战力下降，士气受挫，财务资源耗尽的情况，诸侯会乘机起兵攻打。到时即使有智者也不能挽回局面。只有听说过用兵拙而速胜，没看过用兵细巧久战而得胜。战争持久而国家有利的例子更是没有。所以，不能完全了解用兵之害处，则不能完全了解用兵有利之处。

  The general who is well-versed with warfare does not require additional conscription of soldiers, or require supplies to be delivered more than three times. Military weapons and equipment should be prepared and obtained from the nation, and food and other supplies should be obtained from the enemies instead so that the army will always be well-fed and have ample supplies.

  A nation could become poor due to multiple transportations of supplies over long distances, impoverishing the people. The prices of food and supplies in the area which the army is located would inflate. This rise in prices would erode the wealth of the people. The nation would impose greater tolls and taxes on the people to cover costs. When the strength of the army is exhausted, and wealth of the nation depleted, every household would be emptied of provisions.