The Art of War by Sun Tzu should be required reading for anyone dealing with China in business or politics. He is the Chinese version of Machiavelli except applied directly to military battles. His strategies have been implemented successfully in many parts of Asia, perhaps most notably in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. This book is a very dry read however and it has been suggested that in order to fully appreciate and take in The Art of War it should be heard rather than read over and over until it starts to sink in. Many variations have been adapted using his principles from everything from business to personal relationships to conflict management.