Every big victory has a twist of genius, and few are as dramatic as the 17th-century general Zheng Chenggong\u0019s daring campaign to liberate the island of Taiwan from Dutch control. Rather than relying solely on force, Zheng turned to deception, deploying early "smoke bomb" tactics to confuse the enemy and turn the tide of battle.
Professor Deng Kongzhao at the Graduate Institute for Taiwan Studies at Xiamen University highlights these maneuvers. "This isn\u0019t just military history," Deng notes. "It\u0019s a masterclass in how to leverage misdirection\u0014an approach that resonates whether you\u0019re leading an army or launching a startup."
Zheng\u0019s blend of timing, secrecy and bold initiative offers a timeless lesson in strategic thinking. For today\u0019s global citizens\u0014from entrepreneurs charting new markets to changemakers advocating fresh policies\u0014smoke screens can clear the path to innovation. History reminds us that creativity often wins where raw power falls short.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
