"Machiavelli drew on 2,000 years of history for his theories on how to make war, how to win battles, and how to deal with friends and enemies. This book, the first of its kind, similarly draws on nearly 3,000 years of Chinese history for the victories and defeats in politics and war which give the Chinese general and statesman his mental reflexes and provide the traditional rules that govern his tactics and strategy. Its object is, therefore, to tell the Western reader, often puzzled by Chinese moves on the diplomatic or military chessboard, what legacy of principles guides the minds of even Communist Chinese leaders." -- from book jacket.