That is an outstanding analysis.Interesting observations on the different foci of American and Japanese planning, and how the Chinese seem to be repeating the mistake.
Do you think that this is a product of Oriental vs. Western cultural perceptions of and approaches to warfare?
No! Sun Tzu was the greatest strategic thinker in human history. His greatness lay in his simplicity. He would be the first to think in terms of campaign, and would attempt to bring Taiwan into the Chinese fold by a combination of blandishments, incentives, and other non-military devices.
He would achieve a great victory without firing a shot.
The present group of Chinese leaders, being a gaggle of conspirators in search of legitimacy, would be in need of a great victory to show the population on CTV and in People's Daily. They don't think in terms that Sun Tzu does because there is an overriding political imperative to do otherwise, to have a "famous victory" at arms.
There would be a terrible price to be paid for their miscalculation. But that would not stop them: the Japanese made the same mistake.
Be Seeing You,
Chris