Which statement best reflects the Three principles of Positional Defense?

• A. Emphasize only passive defense with no counterattacks
• B. Depend entirely on armored offensives
• C. Mix blocking/restraining with counterattacks; armored/mechanized forces; focus on the offense at tactical level
• D. Defend by attrition of supplies

Answer: (C)

Positional defense in PLA doctrine emphasizes a dynamic balance: you hold and delay the enemy in organized positions, but you don’t stay passive. The best approach combines blocking and restraining with timely counterattacks, uses armored and mechanized forces to keep the tempo and punch through when opportunities arise, and keeps the offensive effort at the tactical level to seize the initiative locally rather than waiting for a larger strategic plan. This reflects the idea that defense is not just about standing ground; it’s about shaping the fight, disrupting the enemy’s momentum, and rapidly exploiting weak points with mobile, concentrated force.

Why this fits best: it captures the three core ideas—containment and disruption of the enemy, the decisive use of armored forces to maneuver and strike, and maintaining an offensive posture at the right level to seize the initiative and prevent stagnation.

Why the other notions don’t fit: focusing only on passive defense ignores the need to counterattack; relying solely on armored offensives neglects the defensive, delaying, and restraining functions; defending by attrition of supplies emphasizes wear-down tactics rather than the integrated blocking-counterattack and maneuver approach at the tactical level.