Good timing, geographical convenience, and harmonious human relations

Good timing, geographical convenience, and harmonious human relations

The original expression in The Book of Mencius says, "Opportunity is important, even more so is geographical advantage, but most important of all is popular support." In The Art of War, Sun Bin (dates unknown), a military strategist of the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) and a descendant of Sun Zi, wrote that in the absence of any of these three essential factors, danger will lurk in a temporary victory. He meant that the outcome of a war hinges on the three factors: timing and climate conditions, advantageous terrain and location, and popular support and numerical superiority.

Traditionally these are regarded as the three essential factors of success or failure of any undertaking. They represent the Chinese people's emphasis on timing, space and human elements, with the greatest emphasis on human influence.

In June 2013, while attending a meeting of Sino-Mexican entrepreneurs, Xi Jinping pointed out that the prospects for bilateral cooperation were excellent, with a favorable domestic and international environment as well as popular support. He expressed the hope that the two countries would join forces, regard each other sources of important opportunities for development and mutual benefit, and build a bright future for bilateral relations.

天时地利人和

“天时地利人和”出自《孟子》：“天时不如地利，地利不如人和。”此外，《孙膑兵法》也提到：“天时、地利、人和，三者不得，虽胜有殃。”这一观念强调作战时的自然气候条件、地理环境和人心向背等因素均应予以深思熟虑。“天时”本指作战时的有利气候，泛指时间上的各种有利条件，包括天气、时机、机遇等；“地利”本指作战时的有利地形，泛指空间上的各种有利条件，包括地形、地势、区位等；“人和”本指得到人们拥护，上下同心、团结一致，泛指人的优势。古人认为，它们是事关成败的三种最重要的因素，其中首要的是“人和”。这一观念反映了中国人考虑问题的三个基本向度——时间（时机）、空间（环境）和人，体现了“以人为本”的基本理念。

2013年6月，习近平在出席中墨企业家会议时指出，中墨经贸合作具有天时地利人和，发展前景广阔。希望两国各界携起手来，始终将对方发展视为自身发展的重要机遇，图发展、谋共赢，为中墨关系开创更加美好未来。