Chinese president Xi Jinping is gaining a reputation for adapting one of the most famous works of ancient Chinese literature to help legitimize his policies — the Tao-te Ching, commonly attributed to the sixth century BCE sage Laozi.
By drawing upon the teachings of Chinese classics like the Tao-te Ching and I Ching, President Xi is trying to elevate his policy preference to the level of philosophy, which is the science of all science.
The Tao-te Ching, recommends that leaders enervate an opponent by not engaging them directly (i.e., conserving the strength of one’s forces and moving with “subtle clarity” toward the objective).
Specifically, it advises: “The great generals are not warlike. The great warriors do not get angry. Those who are good at defeating enemies do not engage them. Those who are good at managing people lower themselves. It is called the virtue of non-contention.”
[ > Center for Strategic and International Studies ]
