Sun TzuĀ (544ā496 BC.) was a Chinese general,Ā military strategist, writer and philosopher who lived in theĀ Eastern Zhou periodĀ ofĀ ancient China.Ā His works focus on alternatives to battle, such asĀ stratagem, delay, the use of spies and alternatives to war itself, the making and keeping of alliances, the uses of deceit and a willingness to submit, at least temporarily, to more powerful foes.