Ambiguity is a trait of Chinese Culture --- As Biljana has stated in the reading, Chinese language is full of ambiguities. Michael Pillsbury writes: “One of the first things a student of Chinese language learns is its essential ambiguity...“.

Ambiguity (and deception) is as well a feature of traditional Chinese strategy. Pillsbury share with his readers: “In the 1940s, an effort was funded by the U.S. government to understand the Chinese mind-set... in... studies... 150 Chinese emigrants in New York’s Chinatown were shown Rorschach inkblot cards. The researchers, who included Nathan Leites, Ruth Benedict, and Margaret Meade, also analyzed the themes of Chinese popular books and films. One conclusion that emerged was that the Chinese did not view strategy the same way Americans did... those of Chinese ethnic origin... favor... ambiguity and deception... Chinese literature and writings on strategy prized deception.”

Pillsbury, Michael, THE HUNDRED-YEAR MARATHON. China’s Secret Strategy to Replace America as the Global Superpower, Henry Holt and Company, New York, 2015, pp. 5-6, 10-11 & 59.

Source author: Eric Suzán Reed esuzan@sre.gob.mx