To fight or not to fight is one’s own decision, not the enemy’s. This is a principle of military operations proposed by ancient Chinese. “Not to engage the enemy” does not mean passively avoiding confrontation, but means to avoid direct confrontation when the situation favors the enemy. One should not rush or be forced into confrontation just to respond to an enemy’s move. Instead, opt for a sustained defense to wear the enemy out and move them in a way that forces them to reveal their vulnerabilities. Then seize the opportunity to attack or counter-attack and win the battle. This concept emphasizes the importance of taking control in waging a war and advises against fighting when victory is not assured.

Therefore, a competent commander can move around the enemy instead of being moved. (The Art of War)

Sunzi said, “If I do not want to engage, then I take a position to defend myself and make my enemy unable to engage me. Thus, I can force my enemy to change the intention of attack.” I may not be able to win either by moving backward or forward if encountering a powerful enemy. That’s why I say do not engage the enemy if victory is not guaranteed. (Li Jing Answering Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty)