In warfare, the decision of whether to attack or defend depends on one’s own military strength and the situation of the opponent. The correct strategy should be: When strong, attack proactively and strive for a quick victory. When weak, defend to preserve strength. If one chooses to defend when one should attack, or to attack when one should defend, it is a wrong strategy that will lead to defeat.
Sun Tzu believed that defense is a means of protecting oneself, while offense is a means of achieving victory. However, the victory that Sun Tzu refers to is not an ordinary victory, but a complete victory.
The Essence and Principles of Offensive Warfare
Offensive warfare had already formed a systematic approach during the Spring and Autumn Period of ancient China, becoming a focal point of study for military strategists of that era. This was primarily because, from the perspective of the advantages and disadvantages of warfare, offensive operations were generally favorable. Offensive actions could bring the scourge of war to the enemy’s territory, deplete their resources, spare one’s own country from destruction, boost morale among our forces, and instill fear in the enemy.
The guiding principle in offensive warfare is to catch the enemy off guard. As depicted in Chapter Four, Sun Tzu metaphorically described the adept attacker as “善攻者,动于九天之上(The general who is skilled in attack flashes forth from the topmost heights of heaven)” implying that skilled offensive operations are unpredictable and elusive, enabling success through seizing the element of surprise. Thus, the art of surprise attacks has been cherished throughout military history, evolving into a unique discipline within the art of war.
The fundamental requirement for launching an offensive is seizing opportunities. It involves constantly seeking opportunities to attack while ensuring that one’s own forces are adequately prepared. For instance, capitalizing on enemy panic and fear, strategically concentrating forces to annihilate them, can yield disproportionately favorable results. Seizing the rare opportunities presented by enemy retreats or repositioning is the most difficult but crucial aspect of defeating the enemy.
Moreover, initiating proactive measures in offensive warfare, particularly through preemptive strikes, is crucial. The initial decisive assault frequently stands as the pivotal moment that shapes the outcome of the entire campaign. A robust assault involves deploying substantial force and resources, leading to a more potent offensive while minimizing casualties. The intensity of the offensive determines its continuity; thus, relentless consecutive attacks in situations where our forces are formidable inevitably lead to victory.
The Essence and Principles of Defensive Warfare
Defensive warfare plays a crucial role in strategic studies, often regarded as the starting point of such analyses. Especially in situations where forces are weak and resources scarce, adopting defensive strategies becomes imperative. Defense, much like offense, constitutes a significant form of combat. As Clausewitz stated in “On War,” –The defensive form in war is therefore no mere shield but a shield formed of blows delivered with skill.Therefore, the essence of defensive warfare is more intricate than that of offensive maneuvers.
Sun Tzu, in describing the strategy of achieving complete victory through defense, stated, “善守者,藏于九地之下(The general who is skilled in defense hides in the most secret recesses of the earth)” This metaphor implies that our defensive formations are concealed deep underground, rendering them impervious to enemy reconnaissance. Such a strategy denies the enemy access to our intelligence while allowing us to gather information about the enemy, thus maintaining control over the battlefield and ensuring a decisive advantage.
The Dialectical Relationship between Offense and Defense
To achieve victory in warfare, one must consider the issue of offense and defense comprehensively and make the correct decision based on one’s military strength. Sun Tzu believed that if forces are insufficient, a defensive strategy should be adopted; whereas if forces are abundant, an offensive approach can be considered. During defense, it is necessary to protect oneself vigilantly; while during offense, swift strikes should be made to catch the enemy off guard. In this way, the goal of “自保而全胜(Thus on the one hand we have ability to protect ourselves; on the other, a victory that is complete)” can be achieved.
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