The Communist Party of China (CPC) has significantly shifted its attitude towards Confucianism over the years. While the Party once denounced Confucianism as a reactionary philosophy that supported feudalism and was incompatible with Marxist ideology, it has embraced Confucianism in various forms today. One of the reasons it does this is to promote national identity where the Communist government in China has always emphasized the importance of national identity and unity. Confucianism, as a traditional Chinese philosophy, is seen as an important part of China’s cultural heritage (Fochesato). By promoting Confucianism, the government can reinforce a sense of national pride and identity among the Chinese people. This is particularly important in a country as diverse as China, where there are many different ethnic groups and regions. The Communist Party of China wants to advance Confucianism to promote China’s national identity and increase its soft power worldwide.
Another reason is to further moral and ethical education, as Confucianism strongly emphasizes moral and ethical principles like reverence for authority, societal harmony, and the value of education. These ideals are essential to upholding social harmony and advancing Chinese society’s welfare (Fochesato). In a society that is changing quickly, the CPC understands the importance of moral and ethical education and views Confucianism as a means of teaching these principles to the next generation.
The significance of the CPC’s promotion of Confucianism lies in its potential to bridge the gap between the Party and the Chinese people. The Party’s standing as the proletariat’s vanguard gives it legitimacy, but its adherence to Confucianism connects it to traditional Chinese culture and values. Furthermore, the Party can position itself as a protector of Chinese culture and history by advancing Confucianism, which increases its attractiveness to the Chinese populace (China’s Communist Party). However, the emphasis on moral and ethical principles in Confucianism can also assist in addressing some of the social issues that have emerged in China’s fast-modernizing culture, such as a lack of social cohesion and a lowering of moral standards. Some critics claim that the government’s support of Confucianism, which strongly emphasizes deference to authority and the value of social order, is an attempt to justify its authoritarian control.
Work Cited
“China’s Communist Party Turns to Confucius.” YouTube, uploaded by Wall Street Journal, 2015, Web.
Fochesato, Giorgio. “The Modern Period of Daoism and Confucianism (1912–Present).” pp. 1–4.