Debate over whether China’s rise is and will be peaceful continues. Chinese strategic culture seems to support the idea of a “peaceful rise,” not because of China’s peace-loving nature, but rather because it deems fighting as inferior and less effective for attaining a goal. As argued by the military strategist Sun Tzu, “winning without fighting” is the supreme “art of war.” Consequently, China is building its strength by avoiding conflicts, in the hope that someday its superior power will be the most effective deterrent against war.
To read the full op-ed, click here.