防守 (Fáng Shǒu), translated as "defensive tactics," represents the Mohist emphasis on fortification and protection rather than aggression in military strategy. Rooted in Mohism’s broader principle of 非攻 (Fēi Gōng)—opposition to aggression—Fáng Shǒu focuses on safeguarding a state’s resources, population, and sovereignty through strategic defense. For Mozi (墨子), the goal of war was not conquest but the preservation of peace and stability.
Mohists were practical thinkers who developed innovative methods of defense, including the design of fortifications and siege-resistance techniques. Their contributions to military strategy were based on a commitment to reducing harm and prioritizing the well-being of the common people over the ambitions of rulers.
During the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), constant warfare created a need for effective military strategies. While other schools of thought, such as Legalism, focused on conquest and expansion, Mohists dedicated themselves to developing techniques for protecting cities and states from invaders.
Mohist engineers were renowned for their expertise in constructing defenses and devising countermeasures against siege weapons. Their contributions were highly sought after by rulers who valued effective defense over costly wars of aggression.
Fáng Shǒu aligns with the modern Chinese emphasis on maintaining territorial integrity and national security. While contemporary military strategy incorporates both offensive and defensive elements, the principle of prioritizing defense reflects China’s historical and philosophical legacy of focusing on protection rather than aggression.
Key CCP Applications:
Territorial Integrity:
The CCP frames military actions, such as its stance on Taiwan and the South China Sea, as defensive measures to safeguard sovereignty.
Modern Military Strategy:
Investments in advanced defense technologies, such as missile defense systems and cyber defense capabilities, reflect the Mohist principle of Fáng Shǒu.
Key Challenges:
Perceptions of Aggression:
While China emphasizes defense in its rhetoric, some international actions are perceived as expansionist, creating tensions with the Mohist ideal of strict non-aggression.
1. Mohist Siege Defense Techniques:
Mohists developed methods to protect cities from sieges, such as constructing reinforced walls and deploying counter-siege weapons. These techniques minimized casualties and safeguarded civilian populations.
2. The Great Wall of China:
While not directly linked to Mohists, the Great Wall embodies the principle of Fáng Shǒu by prioritizing defense against external threats.
3. Modern Cybersecurity Measures:
China’s investment in cybersecurity reflects Fáng Shǒu, focusing on defending critical infrastructure and data from foreign attacks.
4. Missile Defense Systems:
The modernization of China’s air and missile defense systems aligns with the principle of Fáng Shǒu, ensuring the nation’s security against external threats.
5. Emphasis on Sovereignty:
China’s defense-oriented stance in territorial disputes, such as its military buildup in contested areas, is framed as protecting national borders rather than seeking aggression.
Defense vs. Expansion:
Americans may interpret defensive actions, such as military installations in the South China Sea, as aggressive. From a Chinese perspective, these actions are seen as safeguarding sovereignty.
Moral Neutrality:
The Mohist focus on defense lacks the moral framing often associated with Western ideals of "just war," which may lead to misunderstandings about its pragmatic nature.
Focus on Harm Reduction:
The emphasis on minimizing harm to civilians may seem secondary in modern geopolitical discussions, but it remains a key aspect of Mohist philosophy.
Fáng Shǒu reflects a deeply rooted Chinese tradition of valuing stability and security over expansion and conquest. In modern China, the principle aligns with the CCP’s narrative of peaceful development and territorial integrity. By prioritizing defense, Fáng Shǒu underscores a commitment to maintaining national sovereignty and protecting the well-being of the population.