The Art of War is the oldest and the most influential treatise on military science ever produced in the world. The book has 13 chapters that run to more than 5,000 words. Its author is Sun Wu (about 551BC — ?), also known as “Sun Zi” - the Chinese character "子"(pronounced as “zi”) meaning “master,” “teacher” or “man of great wisdom.” 
    The book is a penetrating, comprehensive exposition on how wars are related to policies, diplomacy, economy and natural conditions in places where wars are fought, on the objective laws governing the development of warfare, and on the interaction and mutual constraint of the subjective initiative of those who direct wars and the resources available to them. To be specific, the book covers all aspects of warfare, ranging from the planning, launching and fighting of a war to its very conclusion.
    Though produced some 2,500 years ago, the Art of War is still acclaimed worldwide as one of the greatest military treatises. Emperor Taizong(598°´649)of the Tang Dynasty had the following to say on it: “Of all the military treatises I have read, none can match the Art of War by Master Sun Wu.” Ever since it came into being, the book has influenced, directly or indirectly, nearly all Chinese military strategists and tacticians and quite a lot abroad.
    The influence of the Art of War by Sun Zi, however, has never been limited to military affairs. The book has proved a valuable source of inspiration for politicians on governance of their countries, and for diplomats on the right way of conducting negotiations. It is no coincident that today, the book has become a most important textbook on business strategies for companies and their leaders.