Break Through the Encirclement

Liu Jianwei’s novel depicts a large-scale, directorless military exercise simulating a limited war under high-tech conditions. A fully staffed Type A division, well-equipped and representative of the main strength of the current Chinese military, suffers repeated defeats in tactical confrontations with a Type B division equipped with high technology. After deep reflection and a difficult restructuring, it finally breaks through the encirclement and wins. The novel vividly reveals the severe challenges to the Chinese military’s survival amid the global military, political, and economic landscape at the end of the twentieth century. It has received first and second prizes in the National Television News Awards. It was also adapted into a television series and won wide acclaim.