Confucianism, a system of moral and social philosophy developed over two-thousand five hundred years ago by Confucius (551-479 BCE), continues to shape the political landscape of modern China. While often perceived as an ancient relic, Confucianism remains a significant ideological force, influencing both domestic governance and international cultural diplomacy. The persistence of Confucian ideals in the Chinese political tradition raises interesting questions: Why does an ancient philosophy maintain relevance n a highly modernized society? More importantly, how have successive Chinese leaders – Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, and Xi Jinping – strategically employed Confucian thought as a political tool to consolidate power, legitimize authority, and shape national identity?
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