In a later period in Chinese history when war became again (in the Warring States period, ending in 221 BCE), this treatise became popular in China as a guide for warfare.
So, this text probably also includes the contributions of later writers. It is considered the most important military treatise (text) in Asia.
According to Sima Qian, an ancient Chinese historian, Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China (260-210 BCE) praised this text as being very valuable for his success in warfare.